Mozambique defender Edmilson Dove has joined the call for football fans across the Southern African region to do all they can to safeguard themselves from the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the world.

Edmilson plays for Cape Town City in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, and is currently self-isolating at home as the country prepares to go into a lockdown from Friday until April 16.

He has a message for the fans back in Mozambique too, who like the entire region are feeling the effects of the pandemic, which has brought football to a halt and stretched the economies of all nations.

“I just wanted to send you a message to stay strong,” Edmilson says. “I hope that you are obeying the government’s recommendations.

“I hope you are all well in this turbulent moment that has affected the world. We’ve been going through some very hard times. I do believe it is a matter of time until everything goes back to normal again.”

The Gaza-born Edmilson has been a star for City since he joined the club in the 2016/17 season and has featured for every single minute of the club’s 26 games in all competitions this campaign.

He has 84 appearances in all, and is also a stalwart of the Mozambique national team, captaining the side in the past and being a regular feature in their COSAFA Cup squads in recent years.

Click here to see Edmilson’s video message to fans

Edmilson is adhering to the guidelines laid out by the World Health Organisation in the bid to combat the coronavirus outbreak, which include:

Wash your hands frequently: Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Maintain social distancing: Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth: Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice respiratory hygiene: Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early: Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.