Georgia coach still in critical condition in Johannesburg hospital

Georgia Rugby Union president Ioseb Tkemaladze has issued an update on the health condition of Lelos head coach Levan Maisashvili who remains in a Johannesburg hospital after testing positive for Covid-19 last month.

READ | RASSIE ERASMUS TO LEARN HIS FATE THIS WEEK AFTER CONTROVERSIAL VIDEO

According to the Planet Rugby website, Tkemaladze confirmed that Maisashvili is still in a critical condition.

Georgia suffered a 40-9 defeat against the Springboks in their first Test at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on July 2.

READ | LOL! MORNE STEYN’S WIKIPEDIA PAGE EDITED AFTER BRITISH & IRISH LIONS HEROICS

The second of the scheduled Tests at Ellis Park in Johannesburg was cancelled after Covid-19 outbreaks in both the Georgia and Springbok camps.

“As you may be aware, the head coach of the Georgian national team, Mr. Levan Maisashvili, has been on ongoing treatment in Netcare Milpark Hospital, in Johannesburg, South Africa, with serious Covid-19 complications of over one month period already,” Tkemaladze said in a statement.

“Unfortunately his condition is still critical, but we do not lose hope of his recovery. Our optimism is motivated with the current cutting-edge and most attentive medical care, along with Levan’s uncompromising fighting ability.

READ | SPRINGBOKS SURPRISE BY ADDING RG SNYMAN TO 43-MAN SQUAD

“I would like to express my gratitude towards top management of the Netcare Hospitals network for their support, especially to the Netcare Milpark Hospital team, for their dedicated work and great attention.

“We have high hopes that this compassionate attention, professional care and uncompromising fight will soon result in Levan’s full recovery. I would encourage all our friends in Georgia and in South Africa to pray for Levan’s health.

“On behalf of the Georgian Rugby and Levan’s family, I’d like to underline my utmost and sincere gratitude to to Dr. Vakhtang Rekhviashvili and his family. And to HE Ambassador of Georgia in South Africa Mr. Beka Dvali, who stands by Georgia and Georgian Rugby at this very hard, special and important moment.”

READ | FROM TEST FAMINE TO FEAST FOR SPRINGBOKS IN 2021