Why Phiri and friends remained in France

France-based emerging Bafana Bafana star Lebogang Phiri had a choice to return home, but the 25-year-old opted to remain in the country, despite its classification as one of the epicentres of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

This is according to Buti Phiri, the father of the EA Guingamp midfielder.

Buti said he had been in constant communication with his son, who is based about 500km from Paris.

“He had a choice of coming back home, but he would have been caught between the protocols of [14 to 21 days] quarantine because France was under lockdown before South Africa,” Buti said.

The player, who hails from Alexandra in Johannesburg, would have been in the country last week because of his call-up for Bafana Bafana’s back-to-back Afcon qualifier against São Tomé and Príncipe, but CAF has called off its programme due to the outbreak of the virus.

“The situation is bad that side, as we all know, but he’s okay.

"The challenge would have been such that, had he come back, he would have been put under quarantine because he is based in a high-risk country.

“Things would have been complicated now that South Africa is also under lockdown. Even worse, international flights have been grounded.”

France has been under lockdown since March 17 and it has tightened the rules during the enforced curfew – individuals can now only “exercise alone for a maximum of one hour within 1km of your home”.

Buti said: “He has adjusted to living a different life-style in France under a lockdown.

"There is a form that needs to be filled if he wants to leave his apartment. There is a fine of €100 [R1 900] if you don’t comply.”

Lebogang is not alone in France. Three compatriots who play in Ligue 1, Bongani Zungu (Amiens SC), Lebogang Mothiba (RC Strasbourg) and Keagan Dolly (Montpellier HSC) are also holed up with their respective clubs.

Read: Safa tells refs to keep fit during pause in programmes

Safa president Danny Jordaan said the federation had been in constant contact with the South African players abroad to check on their wellbeing.

The French football season – like the rest of the world – has been suspended until further notice.

Matches in France were on the verge of being played behind closed doors, but the idea was scrapped following the announcement on March 13 that all football in the country had been halted indefinitely.

Lebogang last played on March 6 and he has so far made 25 appearances and has at times captained his side, which was relegated from Ligue 1 last season.

Guingamp were eighth on the 20-team Ligue 2 with 10 games remaining before the season was halted.

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