KRC Genk winger Joseph Painstil's trip to Ghana cancelled

Published on: 07 April 2020
KRC Genk winger Joseph Painstil's trip to Ghana cancelled
GENK, BELGIUM - MAY 19: Maxime Lestienne of Standard Liege and Joseph Paintsil of KRC Genk compete for the ball during the Jupiler Pro League Play-off match between KRC Genk and Standard Liege at Cristal Arena on May 19, 2019 in Genk, Belgium. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)

Belgium based winger Joseph Painstil's trip to Ghana has been cancelled following the closure of Kotoka International Airport due to the spread of the coronavirus. 

Painstil was expected to leave Belgium for the West African nation last week, but following the cancellation of the trip, Genk have recalled all foreign players to return as the club starts training.

Two foreign players have already left but the rest have started training in groups, just as clubs in the Bundesliga are doing.

"Some players have already been able to fly back, but most have no flight to their home country," said Wout Maris, the player coach of KRC Genk to Het Laatste Nieuws.

"The Brazilian Neto Borges and the Japanese Junya Ito were able to fly back. There was a flight for Ghanaian Joseph Paintsil, but it was canceled. Also Ivorian Kouassi and Nigerians Onuachu and Odey cannot fly back to their home country," Maris added. 

Genk are the first Belgium side to return to training despite the suspension of the Jupiler Pro League.

"It is nice for the boys to see someone outside the four white walls of their apartment," says Wout Maris. "Especially for the foreign players, these are confusing times. Their social network is small in Belgium. Having them come to the club in small groups, with respect for the rules, is a welcome change for them."

Joseph Painstil had a decent season with the former champions after making 21 appearances in all competitions.

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