Tino delighted with goal-scoring return

Blessing Malinganiza

TINO Kadewere says he feels great to be back in action after being sidelined by injury at the beginning of the LaLiga season in Spain.

Kadewere opened his scoring account in his first appearance for his club Real Mallorca on Saturday.

The Zimbabwean striker was loaned to the Spanish outfit by French side Lyon.

He came on as a second half substitute in Mallorca’s 6-0 win over CD Autol in the Copa Del Rey encounter.

“It feels really great to be back on the pitch. It was not easy, but I really got help from my teammates, staff and also my family kept me going.

“When I was told that I needed an operation, I felt like it was the end and wanted to give up, but the love I got from the club kept me going,” he said.

Kadewere also explained the feeling of scoring on his debut.

“Getting a goal in my first game was really amazing.

“Of course, it was against a lower division team, but this is where the confidence comes from. “Trying to score in any game that you play is very important.

“And, I’m happy that I managed to score on my debut and to finally play in that jersey was something big for me, as I couldn’t wait to play for my new team.”

According to reports, Kadewere had been expected to return in January due to the extent of the injury at that time.

“Like I said, the hard work that I put in was worth it.

“I can’t say that I am at 100 percent, but I feel good. With the World Cup coming, I will have more time to prepare.

“And, when we are back for the second part of the season, I think I will be fit since I would’ve used this time to train and get back to fitness.

“About playing in the first XI, we will see how that goes, but the most important thing is for me to be fit.

“My target for the season is to just try and help the team achieve its goals, the rest is in God’s hands.”

He said he is already feeling at home in Spain.

“I feel very much at home.

“Getting injured just after signing for a new team is really hard and brings a lot of stress, but I had a lot of good people around and it really felt good.

“The difference between Ligue 1 and La Liga is only that we get to enjoy playing football more,” he said. Kadewere is the first Zimbabwean to play in LaLiga.