South Africa has entered into Level 1 lockdown regulations, bringing international sports travel another step closer to resumption.
No international sports involving the country’s national team has been possible since government first implemented lockdown in March.
Return of international sports travel imminent
With restrictions easing gradually during the past months, various federations have begun to plan international tours as sport prepares to get back into full swing.
Some sportspeople, including top SA golfers, have already taken part in international competition, along with tennis stars such as Lloyd Harris and Kevin Anderson, who are both in action at the French Open.
Bafana Bafana
With friendly matches scheduled in the upcoming international window, Bafana Bafana will be among the first national teams to return to action.
Their first fixture of the year will see them travel to Namibia, where they will take on their neighbours in Windhoek, with the date for the game pencilled in as 7 October.
According to international travel protocols put in place by the Namibian government, the players will have to present negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arriving in the country. No lengthy quarantine is required.
Springboks
While there is still uncertainty – and a fresh batch of controversy – surrounding the 2020 edition of the Rugby Championship, the Springboks could well be among the first national teams to jet out of the country.
With no home fixtures planned for the remainder of the year, the men in green and gold are expected to return to action with the defence of their maiden crown in the southern hemisphere’s elite competition.
The tournament, in its entirety, will take place in Australia during the November-December international window.
Should they opt to travel Down Under, the world champions will undergo mandatory health screening on arrival before a 14-day quarantine period.
Proteas Women
The Proteas women declined an invitation to travel to the United Kingdom for a limited-overs tour originally scheduled to take place in September.
No tour schedule has been confirmed as yet, meaning it remains to be seen if the trip to the UK will be possible in the near future.
England women recently concluded a five-match T20 series against the West Indies and have no confirmed fixtures on their calendar.
Likewise, the Proteas whose next scheduled matches take place in February 2021, when they are expected to wrap up preparations for the Women’s 50-over World Cup in New Zealand.
