BDF XI defender Mompati Thuma is set to return to first team action in early November. The tough tackling defender has been out of action since suffering a knee injury against South Africa in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers earlier this month.
Thuma suffered a torn knee ligament in the highly contested match, the 33 year old sustained the injury after falling awkwardly from an aerial duel. The injury ended his international career, the defender had already indicated his plans to retire after the Bafana clash but he had also explored the possibility of playing his last game in front of a home crowd at the National Stadium against Burkina Faso.
He told Gazette Sport that he is targeting a return to first team action in six weeks, the player has earmarked the Mascom Top 8 clash against BMC on November 2 to make his comeback.
“My recovery is going well, I have been advised to rest my knee for now while waiting to work with the physiotherapist on October 2. I will begin light training once I am given permission by the medical team. I hope that I will return to the full fitness on the first week of November or even the last week of October if all goes well,” he said.
He stated that it has been difficult for him to watch from the sidelines. “It hurts to watch a game and not be out there alongside my teammates. I miss playing and I am itching to return to the pitch soon,” he continued.
Thuma told this publication that he is delighted with his club’s start to the season. BDF XI has won their first three games of the season and Thuma feels that the club will challenge for trophies this season. Matebele, as they are affectionately known, have not won a trophy since claiming a league and cup double in 2004.
“Last year we performed well and reached the Mascom Top 8 final and had a decent run in the league. We are aiming to win a trophy this season because we have not picked up any silverware for a long time, this year would be the perfect time to end our trophy drought. We desperately want to win a trophy this season,” he concluded.