daniel chigunwe
Bruce Chikuni
Zimbabwean forward, Douglas Mapfumo, is back in action in South Africa after a lengthy injury which kept him on the terraces for nearly four weeks.
The Polokwane City forward was expected to mark his return to the first team last week when his side struck late goal to force a 1-1 stalemate against Orlando Pirates in the DStv Premiership.
But the team’s medical staff disapproved his inclusion in the match-day squad as they felt the gamble was not worth it.
The 23-year-old had scored twice and recorded five assists before this setback.
And he is still the club’s joint leading scorer with Oswin Appollis after 10 fixtures.
His knee injury also cost him his maiden Warriors call-up as he was reportedly included in the initial squad which played the ZIFA Northern Region Division One Soccer League select just two weeks ago.
The Rise and Shine are set to square up against Stellenbosch in the Telkom Knock-out quarter-final this Friday.
The Legends Academy graduate told Zimpapers Sport that he has not given up on his target to hit double figures before the restart.
Mapfumo said he is now hoping to be injury-free for the remainder of the campaign.
“It’s been tough for me because I have individual goals which I set for myself and this injury really affected me.
“But there is still time for me to regain my form before the season is still in its infancy. It’s too early for me to give up on what I’m seeking to achieve this season.
“I was enjoying football before this injury, and I’m going to apply the same energy and hunger to help the team to be where it wants to be,” said Mapfumo.
His father, Victor, is also tipping his son to make a blistering comeback.
He has also represented the country’s basketball national team while playing for Mabvuku Eastern Lakers. “It’s up to him to announce his return, but I was really happy with how he was training throughout this setback.
“He is desperate to play and it’s very encouraging as a father to see your son pushing himself to the limits without being monitored.
“I believe he will make an immediate impact, he just has to remain grounded and he just needs to apply the same attitude,” he said.
Online Reporter