Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - Arminia Bielefeld goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez has recovered from injury and is ready to fight for his place in the Bafana Bafana team.
The former Kaizer Chiefs keeper sustained a serious knee injury playing for the Bundesliga 2 side on January 30 and reports at the time indicated that he would be out for six months.
Two and half months later, however, Fernandez tells Football365.co.za he has recovered and started light training.
"According to the doctor I'm two weeks away from full fitness so it is looking really good. The progress has been really good but obviously I can't push the knee too quickly because it is an important part of a footballer's body," the 32-year-old says.
"But I'm hoping to be fit in two weeks' time so I can still make a late charge for the World Cup."
Fernandez is confident he can fill the void left by the injured Emille Baron.
"I work alone with the goalkeeper coach at the moment and I work with the physio as well. It is pretty intense and I'm doing on average three hours a day so it is a lot longer than normal training. It is very demanding, but I have got a goal in mind and my goal is to be at the World Cup.
"There is an agreement with the doctor at the club that I should be fit soon to play two or more games for Arminia and be fit for the World Cup. I want to be there and that dream is alive. As long as there is a chance I will do everything possible to make it and realise that dream," Fernandez concludes.
The former Kaizer Chiefs keeper sustained a serious knee injury playing for the Bundesliga 2 side on January 30 and reports at the time indicated that he would be out for six months.
Two and half months later, however, Fernandez tells Football365.co.za he has recovered and started light training.
"According to the doctor I'm two weeks away from full fitness so it is looking really good. The progress has been really good but obviously I can't push the knee too quickly because it is an important part of a footballer's body," the 32-year-old says.
"But I'm hoping to be fit in two weeks' time so I can still make a late charge for the World Cup."
Fernandez is confident he can fill the void left by the injured Emille Baron.
"I work alone with the goalkeeper coach at the moment and I work with the physio as well. It is pretty intense and I'm doing on average three hours a day so it is a lot longer than normal training. It is very demanding, but I have got a goal in mind and my goal is to be at the World Cup.
"There is an agreement with the doctor at the club that I should be fit soon to play two or more games for Arminia and be fit for the World Cup. I want to be there and that dream is alive. As long as there is a chance I will do everything possible to make it and realise that dream," Fernandez concludes.
