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Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter
FORMER Black Rhinos goalkeeper Stanley Chakwana will have to wait a bit longer before bouncing back to the game as he is yet to fully recover from the injuries he suffered in a road accident last year.
The 26-year-old fractured his arm when a Honda Fit car owned by CAPS United winger Ian Nyoni was involved in the mishap between Kadoma and Kwekwe in November last year.
The pair, together with 2018 Soccer Star of the Year Joel “Josta” Ngodzo, were on their way home to Gweru following the conclusion of the 2021-2022 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
Nyoni and Ngodzo escaped with minor injuries and they have since played some games for their team CAPS United.
But Chakwana was unfortunate as he fractured his hand and he had to be hospitalised for a long time.
While medical experts had predicted he would be back in time for the second half of this season, Chakwana feels he is not ready as yet.
He has already started individual training with at least three Premiership teams reportedly interested in his services but he reckons he will only be fit for intensive action next season.
Chakwana, who enjoyed an impressive two-year stay at Black Rhinos, says he has been struggling to adjust to life without football.
“It’s been very hard for me. I am a footballer and having to endure life without the game has been the hardest thing I have ever experienced in my life.
“Look, without the game, it means I have had to look for other side hustles to look after my family. That means I have had to compromise on my rehabilitation process,” said Chakwana.
“Although I have tried to religiously follow the procedures, I feel like I need some more time before I can come back to the game.
“I have received inquiries from about three teams in the Premiership and also from teams in the first division.
“But I have decided not to rush myself back to the game. I think I need some more time to fully heal so that when I come back to the game, I will be 100 percent fit.
“I would like to thank those who have stood by me during my hard times. I have had to think outside the box, devising ways to eke out a living in the absence of significant income from football.
“I have learnt some lessons and even after my playing days are over, I have an idea how to survive beyond football”.
Black Rhinos’ goals are currently being guarded by Panashe Chirimbanyemba with Brian Makoni his understudy.
Chakwana will take time to watch Black Rhinos playing against Dynamos at their newly-adopted home at Bata Stadium in his home town of Gweru on Saturday.
The army team acted swiftly to PSL’s order for teams to register at least two home venues outside the capital and agreed terms with Bata Stadium authorities some three weeks ago.
The PSL had been forced to shelve matches early this month due to the non-availability of the National Sports Stadium which had been accommodating almost half of the Premiership teams.
Stadium authorities then decided to spruce up the overused surface and carry out other maintenance works prompting the league to abruptly freeze action.
Just as scheduled, Premiership action resumes this weekend with all the eight teams who had been stationed at the giant venue in the capital adopting new home grounds.
And for Chakwana, having Black Rhinos play in Gweru, is a blessing.
“I really like Black Rhinos. They made me who I am today and I will be attending their home matches in my home town starting this weekend against Dynamos,” he said.
“They may be down right now, sitting at the base of the table but I know they have a capable group of players, who can drive the team to safety”.
Fixtures:
Saturday: Bulawayo Chiefs v GreenFuel (Luveve), Manica Diamonds v Sheasham (Gibbo), FC Platinum v Chicken Inn (Mandava), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Hwange (Baobab), ZPC Kariba v Yadah (Nyamhunga)
Sunday: Black Rhinos v Dynamos (Bata), CAPS Utd v Highlanders (BF), Triangle v Cranborne Bullets (Gibbo), Herentals v Simba Bhora (Mandava)
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