Mponda now ready to play football again

Former Flames on-field leader Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda has said he is now set to bounce back into action after fully recovering from a serious knee injury.

The news is likely to cause a buzz of excitement among the local soccer fraternity who were eager for his return.

Mponda suffered a career-threatening injury which kept him out for almost half a year in 2012 while playing for the then South African top-league side Santos.

And when he returned to action, the recurring injury still gave him problems until medical experts recommended surgery and extensive physiotherapy.

“I believe I have recovered fully now and what remains is to go for a final check-up.

“I still have some way to go though to regain my full fitness, but I am giving out something extra in my daily work-out. I have also been featuring in training matches at the [Surestream] Academy,” said Mponda.

The former Santos, Black Leopards, Big Bullets and Ottawa Wizards captain said excitement is the prevalent emotion as he looks forward to returning to action.

Mponda is scheduled to make his first appearance for the select side that is scheduled to face the Flames in a build-up match after being approached by players’ agent Kondi Msungama.

“I indeed approached Peter having learnt that he has completed physiotherapy. Apart from playing the role of a captain, we want him to help the technical panel that will be put in place in the selection exercise.

“Peter is a complete player and the fans have been eagerly waiting for his return. Without putting unnecessary pressure on him, he could also impress the coach and be drafted into the squad to face Nigeria,” said Msungama.

However, the 33-year-old legendary defender was skeptical about his return to the Flames.