Three years later, Muduviwa eyes sensational comeback

Bruce Chikuni

FC Platinum defender, Raphael Muduviwa, is on course to make a sensational return to action three years after he last kicked a ball after sustaining an ankle injury.

Muduviwa recently marked 11 years at FC Platinum, but his lengthy absence has cast doubt on his future at the club.

The 29-year-old was injured at a time when he was on top of his game.

He is one of the club’s few players who have worked with every coach since FC Platinum were promoted into the PSL.

He has worked with Rahman Gumbo, Tendai Chikuni, Tenant Chilumba, Lloyd Mutasa, Lizwe Sweswe, Pieter de Jongh and Norman Mapeza.

He could have been competing with the club’s skipper, Petros Mhari, for the team’s most capped player had it not been the injury setback.

Muduviwa acknowledged that it was difficult for him to watch from the terraces for this long.

“I have been on the sidelines for a long time and, truly speaking, it has been frustrating.

“It wasn’t easy at all experiencing the pain of not playing football. 

“At times I would ask myself what’s next for me.

“And, now that I’m in a good space to make a comeback, I’m just praying to be injury-free,” said Muduviwa.

He hailed the club for staying true to their promise of not turning their back on him.

“I can safely say that I owe my career revival to the club.

“They stood by me even when there wasn’t hope. 

“They helped with everything required for me to make this comeback.

“I can see some improvement, the pain is disappearing. 

“Although it hasn’t been easy, I’m happy with the progress I’m making with the help of the coaches,” he said.