Gayle: Waterhouse players itching to get back on the field

Marcel Gayle, head coach of Red Stripe Premier League. outfit Waterhouse FC, says his players are itching to get back on the field and they have been doing all that they can to ensure they do not contract the COVID-19 virus.

The deadly coronavirus, which has been sweeping the globe, has resulted in four deaths in Jamaica from 63 confirmed cases of the virus. Ten persons have recovered.

Waterhouse (54 points) were leading the league by one point over Mount Pleasant when the competition was postponed just under a month ago due to the virus.

Gayle told STAR Sports that his players have been taking all the necessary steps to ensure that they do not become sick with the virus.

"For us, we just want to stay safe and keep our social distance," said Gayle, who added that they have not been meeting in groups.

'health comes first'

"We send programmes to them (players) and these routines they can do in their living rooms and in their backyards. They don't have to go outside or interact with anybody," Gayle said.

"I know that they are itching to go back on the field, but I keep on reminding them that their health comes first," he said.

He urged all local players to practise social distance and to follow the guidelines that have set out by the Government.

"The league is on a break because of this deadly virus and I want all footballers to stay safe, pray for the best and hope that this virus will go away soon and things can return to normal," Gayle said.

"Staying healthy and staying strong is the goal right now. Once we overcome this virus, then we will be able to focus on football," he added.