Rambanapasi to go under knife, out for the season

The club’s medical department yesterday confirmed Rambanapasi, who underwent an MRI scan two weeks ago after aggravating the injury, will miss the Harare derby between Dynamos and CAPS United on Sunday and is expected to go under the knife either tomorrow or next Friday.
Rambanapasi has been struggling to shake off the injury for several years before the problem recurred early this month. Team doctor Mordecai Sachikonye yesterday said he would need about two months to fully recover.

“Ashley suffered a crack on the meniscus, which is the part that acts like the shock absorber for the knee.
“Injury usually results from jumping and landing on hard surface.
“It’s gradual and for Ashley it only got critical two weeks ago and that is why he has not been able to play,” said Sachikonye.

To facilitate ideal recovery, Sachikonye said the player has been recommended to undergo knee arthroscopy, which is basically a minimal surgical procedure to treat the injury and possibly remove the damaged part, if necessary.

“He would need about two to three weeks to recover from the surgery and an almost similar period for rehabilitation. There are only about seven games remaining before the end of the season and he is most likely to be out for that period. We wouldn’t want to rush him back to action but he will definitely be back,” said Sachikonye.
CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe yesterday said Rambanapasi’s contribution will be missed as the league heads towards the final stages.

Makepekepe are currently eighth on the log standings and they are hoping to finish on a better position following their recovery under Chitembwe.

But their immediate task would be to upstage Dynamos in the first round of the Mbada Diamonds Cup at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday. “He has always been a great team player and unfortunately he will not be able to take part in the weekend match and probably the rest of the season. He will be missed but life will go on,” said Chitembwe.
Rambanapasi rejoined CAPS United at the middle of the season after a largely unfulfilling stint with Gunners this year.