The Sunday Mail
Magwaza in action — Picture: Squash Site
Top squash player Admire Magwaza says he is looking forward to a successful season as he returns to full fitness eight months after being sidelined by a knee injury.
The player, who boasts experience on the international stage, was out of action after suffering a knee injury during a training session.
“I am looking forward to starting playing a number of tournaments early or mid-February and get myself into very good playing form. I hope it works out well,” said the 28-year-old, who admitted it could be challenging in the early stages of recovery.
“It is always difficult to come out of injury and play very well, but some come out of injury and play very well. The current world champion was injured for four months, but he returned to win the World Championship title.
“With me it could be difficult with the type of game I play, more like running game,” said Magwaza.
A heavy workload caused his injury.
“Two years back I had a long-term plan of playing PSA (Professional Squash Association) tournaments; I played lots of tournaments towards the end of 2012 coming into 2013.
“I played in South Africa and in Europe as well, but in early 2014 since the sport was demanding more than I was used to, I had a series of injuries.
“I was out for about eight months, mainly because of a knee injury,” he said.
“I played the Zim Champs, Malawi Open, Namibian Open and some tournaments in South Africa,” added Magwaza.
Magwaza, who made his maiden appearance at the Doha World Championships in 2012, said that experience has been an inspiration in his career.
“Out there one hardly finds a player giving up easily . . . it is a different game.
“Doha was good experience, rubbing shoulders with the top guys. I was happy I had been to where top squash is played.
“One gets motivated and inspired and they realise it requires dedication and hours of training,” said Magwaza, who has made the Harare International Squash Court more like his second home.
He also coaches youngsters.
“The future is always bright; we have very good juniors from Under-9s to Under-18s.
“When we have our championships, the turnout is huge.
“During my free time, I help out the Zimbabwe Squash Academy and I also coach at St John’s College and St John’s Prep School,” Magwaza added.
Magwaza and 19-year-old Blessing Muhwati have been the torch bearers of a sport which has not seen much activity on the local scene.
While Magwaza has competed at the World Championships, Muhwati has played at the British Junior Open, which is the second most prestigious junior event after the World Championships.
