African Sports Stars who are donating money to combat Coronavirus

Victor Wanyama and Michael Olunga among African athletes making generous donation to combat Coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic has rallied a host of high profile African athletes around the world to aid to those impacted by the pandemic.

There have been over 29,422 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Africa with more than 1,341 deaths due to the disease.

Of Africa's 54 countries, only two have yet to report a case of the virus: Comoros and Lesotho.

Coronavirus pandemic may have halted most sporting event, but it has also brought out the more generous side of some African athletes.

 Victor Wanyama, Michael Olunga and Samuel Eto'o are among those who have announced donations to fight COVID-19.

On March 26th, Kenyan national team captain Victor Wanyama through his foundation donated 200 sanitising kits to needy families in his hometown of Nairobi in a project with the help of the Kenyan Red Cross.

The Harambee Stars captain also urged Kenyans to follow the set guidelines by the government to try and stop the spread of the deadly virus.

“It’s very important to listen to what the health experts are saying over this issue. Let’s wash our hands regularly,” Wanyama said. 

Kashiwa Reysol striker Michael Olunga, Francis Kahata and Johannah Omollo have also made similar gestures. 

Olunga donated handwash materials and sanitisers among other essentials to several estates in Nairobi including Lucky Summer, BabaDogo, Kasabuni, Kariadudu.

Francis Kahata also donated 10,000 litres of water to Mathare slum residents. With the common threat of water loss in slum areas Kahata explained why he decided to make the donation.

Johannah Omollo, who plays for Belgian club Cercle Brugge, through his foundation, went back to Dandora Slum where he grew up and donated foodstuffs to the needy, helping them by during this virus-stricken period.

Former Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o and former Chelsea star Didier Drogba  have also reportedly stepped up to help their countries.

Eto'o donated relief package to residents of his home town in Douala as Covid-19 continues to affect the global economy.

Several food items, soaps, sanitisers and protective equipment were sent to 50,000 households across four cities in the Cameroon’s economic capital Douala, Buea, Yaounde and Bafoussam.

Meanwhile, former Chelsea star Didier Drogba  offered his hospital in the Ivory Coast to be used as a coronavirus treatment centre.

Watford striker Danny Welbeck also donated a £10,000 relief package to the residents of his mother’s home town in Ghana to help them cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

The package, containing food, sanitary items and sanitisers was delivered to the people of Nkawiepanin in the Atwima Nwabiagya municipality of the west African nation, while personal protective equipment (PPE) was also donated to the doctors and nurses at the Nkawie Government Hospital.

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane have also shown incredible generosity to his native Senegal amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The 27-year-old on March 18th donated Sh 5.1 million (£41,000) to Senegalese health authorities fighting coronavirus in his home country.

NBA Charlotte Hornets star Bisma also supported his home country of the Democratic Republic of Congo by donating over $1 million worth of medical supplies, including 10,000 face masks and 780 hazmat suits.

Cameroonian basketball player Joel Embiid, of the Philadelphia 76ers, reportedly donated $500,000 (Sh53,201,100) to coronavirus relief and helping team workers who have had their salary temporarily cut due coronavirus outbreak.