CHIBWE CONFIDENT AFTER OVERCOMING KNEE INJURY

South African born, Zambian international goalkeeper Cyril Chibwe is optimistic about returning between the sticks after suffering a major knee injury that has kept him out of the game for over two months.

Chibwe made his debut in October last year in ZESCO United’s 1-1 draw against Mazabuka based Premier League side FC MUZA after TeamYaziko goalkeeper Gregory Sanjase was shown a red card.

The former Polokwane City and Baroka FC was selected first choice goalkeeper when ZESCO United travelled to Kabwe to face magnificent Kabwe Warriors.

Chibwe kept his side in the game after making several heroic saves which led the 29-year-old shot stopper being voted Man of the Match in a game that ended 0-0.

However, Chibwe’s progress was to come to a grinding halt after sustaining a knee injury in ZESCO United’s 3-2 win over Buildcon.

“It has been a bit difficult for me especially that I had started playing very well for the team. Everything was getting together and then I got an injury in which I tore my knee-keeping me out of the game for at least a month.

“I had to push myself so that I could get back into the side. I am happy that am back in the team which means that I have to start pushing once again so that I can get a place in the starting eleven,” he said.

Chibwe joined ZESCO United under the tutelage of Kabwe Warriors Head Coach Mumamba Numba.

The departure of Numba has paved way for the appointment of former Zambia National Team Head Coach George Lwandamina.

“I feel like I have to start all over again. As a footballer you must understand and adjust to life under different coaches. Wherever there is change one must adjust especially if you have a new technical bench. If they don’t know you, one must prove his worth to them. I am working very hard to get back my place.”

And Chibwe says there has been remarkable change at the club since the arrival of Lwandamina.

“Since the arrival of the new coach there has been a lot of positives in the team. Players mentality has changed. As such the only way to move forward is to push as hard as one can. Currently everyone is trying hard to stay positive. Every game feels like a final because we all know the danger of dropping points.”

ZESCO United will this Saturday face Green Eagles in the MTN Super League week 22 fixture scheduled for the Levy Mwanawasa stadium, Ndola.

Author: Desmond Katongo