Share

Mkhwanazi feeling no ill effects on Clever Boys return

Cape Town - Buhle Mkhwanazi says he felt no ill effects of his long-term injury after featuring in Bidvest Wits' TKO win over Kaizer Chiefs last weekend.

The central defender was sidelined for seven months with a cruciate knee ligament injury but returned to good effect, playing the entire 90 minutes in the 1-0 win over Amakhosi in a Telkom Knockout semi-final match.

Mkhwanazi, who came off the bench for just a minute or two against Baroka FC a couple of weeks back, admitted relief at surviving the full 90 minutes against Chiefs. He also said the last few months have been a bit of a roller-coaster ride.

"The healing period was tough," Mkhwanazi told The Star.  "The fact that we were not doing well (earlier in the season) was affecting me somehow. I am happy that I am back and will try and help the team.

"I was actually told I would have to wait a bit longer before I could play," the former AmaTuks player continued.

"But after just five months I could feel that I can run, do training drills and a whole lot of other things. The date they had put down was November 9."

Mkhwanazi adds that after a nervy start against Amakhosi, he was relieved to come through with flying colours.

"Obviously there's excitement and then there's a bit of panic because you don't know whether you will get injured again or go through the same pain again," he explained.

"But since then I have felt sharp. I was also able to get a few friendlies under my belt and finished the games. But I know they are not as competitive as playing against Chiefs and Sundowns."

Wits next face Mamelodi Sundowns in an Absa Premiership clash at the Bidvest Stadium with the return of Mkhwanazi giving The Students a welcome boost to their league campaign.

Kick off is at 19:30.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE