‘I thought my career was over’

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
THERE were times in the early stages of his injury that Highlanders defender Andrew Tandi thought his career was over.

The defender fractured his right fibula (calf bone) and dislocated his ankle in the abandoned Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium back in May.

A quick search on footballers with fractured fibula showed that recovery periods range between three and six months depending on the gravity. Tandi was ruled out for the rest of the season after the injury.

The Highlanders’ medical team has recommended specialised treatment for the defender, who was the victim of a horror tackle by Dynamos’ winger Bill Antonio and was rushed to hospital after the Bosso medical team led by Shepherd Khumalo responded quickly.

Quick reaction by the medical team prevented more harm to the injury that comes with damage to the ankle ligaments, and in this case with his ankle rotating outwards, it is most likely the inner ligaments.

Tandi is back doing light training by himself at Body Works Gym and told the Bosso media department that his road to recovery has not been easy.

“It was very tough. It wasn’t easy for me. I’m recovering well. I am now at a better place than before. The first days were tough for me because mentally I thought it was the end of the road and I will never play again,” said Tandi.

“The injury has set me back. I was on top of my game when I got injured and could have maybe got a gig for trials somewhere but I just have to accept what happened and start again. The club has supported me throughout this injury and I am grateful,” he said.

Tandi still holds no grudges against Antonio who recently joined Belgian club, KV Mechelen.

“He did not tackle me as such, but the weight of his body fell on my leg. I don’t believe it was intentional,” said Tandi. — @innocentskizoe