Moorosi Tsiane
BANTU midfield kingpin Lindokuhle Phungulwa says he is on the mend and hopes he will have recovered in time to play whenever the Econet Premier League resumes from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) induced break.
The 2016/17 league player of the season has watched the current season’s action from the side-lines after suffering a knee injury in the pre-season Alliance Winter Challenge.
The South African told the Lesotho Times this week thatalthough he was not fully fit, he was itching to return to action.
“I am not yet 100 percent fit but I can’t wait to get back onto the playing field,” Phungulwa said adding: “I am looking forward to it”.
Before the break, Bantu were in fine form and were yet to lose a league match. They are at the summit of the table with 50 points from 18 matches and are enjoying a massive 12 points lead ahead of second-placed Matlama.
Being out of action for almost seven months has affected him and Phungwula concedes it is not going to be easy to break into the first team.
“I play football for a living and obviously being out for such a long time will take its toll on me but now I am just looking forward to playing again.
“Breaking into the team won’t be easy but I will wait for my turn because with me, it’s not all about myself but the team, the team which has already been playing well in my absence.
“This has been one of the toughest episodes of my life but I am thankful for the support that I have received through it from my teammates, coaching staff, management our supporters, my family and fellow league players. I have been with Bantu for the last three season and I have enjoyed the support,” he said.
Last season Bantu finished without any silverware after two impressive seasons where they were crowned league champions and Phungwula said this was a wake-up call for the team. He said they are also fortunate to have new coach Bob Mafoso who has settled in well aided by his knowledge of the system having worked as assistant to former coach James Madidilane.
“Last season’s performance was a wake-up call and the desire to win this season is discernible.
“Coach Bob (Mafoso) is not new at Bantu, and that is why he has not struggled to settle. Of course, things will always be different when a different comes in but the results speak for themselves,” Phungulwa said.
