Chronicle Editor
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
TALEN Vision captain, Mongameli Ndlovu is back in the country after undergoing an operation on his left knee in South Africa at the end of last year.
Ndlovu has been in Mzansi as he was still monitored by a specialist and only returned to Zimbabwe on 18 August. He came home in anticipation of the start of the country’s 2020 season, which is yet to get underway due to measures put in place to fight the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19).
“I came back on the 18th of August, was hoping things will be better in preparation to start the season with others,’’ Ndlovu said.
After crossing the border, the Talen Vision skipper had to go into quarantine in Beitbridge where he said he was twice tested for Covid-19, with both results coming out negative for him to be allowed to go home in Bulawayo.
“I was tested and came out negative, on arrival and when I was discharged to go to Bulawayo. I am very much happy to re-unite with family and friends.”
Ndlovu underwent the operation to repair torn ligaments on his knee and Wednesday marks nine months of his recovery process. He said he is no longer in much pain, with the only time he feels discomfort being when he overdoes the exercises.
Having not played the game for over a year, the 24-year-old “General” is yearning for a return to the football field.
“I miss football so much, it’s been more than a year since I last played, I am hoping the season starts soon,’’ Ndlovu said.
To stay in shape, the Talen Vision skipper is following advice from the specialist who was attending to him in South Africa, that is jogging in the morning, three times a week.
Ndlovu is appreciative of the efforts by Talen Vision who paid for the operation and other related expenses, with the president Khumbulani Nkomo also looking after him in South Africa after the surgery, which meant the player had nothing much to worry about besides return to full fitness.
“All I can say is I am happy and appreciate all the effort put in by Talen Vision only to see me back on the field,’’ he said.
The central defender picked up the injury in a training session ahead of his team’s clash with Bulawayo City at Luveve Stadium. City and Talen Vision were involved in an intense battle for promotion to the Premier Soccer League. Without their team leader, Talen Vision, then under the tutelage of Mkhuphali Masuku went on to lose out to Amakhosi in the fight to play in the country’s top flight league.
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