Tuskers’ bowler Mankunzini in SA for treatment

Mankunzini, the only leg spinner in the region, suffered a career threatening stress fracture on his back.
Due to the gravity of the injury, Mankunzini, who has a rookie contract with the Bulawayo cricket side, could not play for Tuskers’ B side for the better part of the last half of the 2011-12 season.
In an interview from South Africa yesterday, Mankunzini said he went for therapy at one of Johannesburg’s top health centres and was confident of bouncing back.
“I arrived here on Saturday and went for therapy today (yesterday). I should be coming back home tomorrow or on Wednesday. I went for a number of examinations while in Zimbabwe and I was told to take it easy as the crack on my back was about 4-5cm.
“When I return I should go for another review at the Zimbabwe Cricket Academy in Harare to see how I am recovering. Hopefully, I should be ready to play in August,” said Mankunzini.
The promising Bulawayo Athletic Club skipper joins national team and Tuskers pace bowler Christopher Mpofu on the sidelines.
Mpofu picked up a back injury while on duty with the national team in November and missed Zimbabwe’s tour of New Zealand.
Mankunzini, a former national Under-19 player, was upset for failing to end the season with his teammates.
He spoke highly of his coach Dave Houghton who he said has been supportive and even organised coaching clinics for him.
“You know I was beginning to knock on the doors of the first team and then this injury has been a major setback for my career. It is my hope that I fully recover and fight for a place in the team.
“I love cricket and it has been part of my life since my days at primary school. Since the time I picked up the injury, my coach Dave Houghton and Tuskers club have been supportive. We have been coaching at schools which kept me going,” said Mankunzini.