The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
JUST when he was returning to full fitness and preparing for the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League with Herentals, Prince Chama has found himself back on the treatment table.
The versatile Chama played an instrumental role in the team’s remarkable Premiership run last term until a devastating knee injury halted his season. Chama, who is equally at home at right-back as he is in a defensive midfield role, had recovered and was recently given a contract extension by his club.
The defender has, however, since aggravated his knee injury and is set to be operated on in the coming days. There are fears he could even be forced to sit out the entire season. The 25-year-old, who once played for lower division side Sodbury, is believed to have been spotted playing social football on the day he got injured.
“My fear is that I may never return to my old self. I am overwhelmed and my passion, my confidence are bruised,” Chama said.
“I am unsure of what the future holds. I thought I had endured the long months on the sidelines and just when I thought I was back, I am down again.”
But the Students have agreed to take care of his medical bills.
Sources indicated that Chama was injured at Motor Action Sports Club, where he was playing a social game, alongside some fellow Premiership players.
When asked by The Sunday Mail Sport how he aggravated his knee injury, Chama was not willing to discuss the matter.
“I hope the surgery goes well and that I will be able to return to play as soon as possible, because this is the only way I can be able to place a decent meal on the table for my family,” he added.
“Football is a passion and life for me, and the club should see me doing what they engaged me for . . . so, I really need to get back on my feet in time.”
Before his injury last year, Chama had been directly involved in 10 of the team’s first 21 goals.
“Herentals has been my home and playing my heart out for the good of the team is all I have ever dreamt of . . . It was a huge heartbreak having to watch them from the sidelines.
“I would come in crutches and support from the sidelines. This season I hoped to be with them again, but fate had it otherwise, so I have to be patient and pray for my recovery.”
His coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziwa expects him to bounce back.
“Chama is a promising young player, who has the potential to excel in football. He is disciplined both on and off the field and is a hard worker,” he said.
“The knee injury derailed his ambitions of making it on to the PSL calendar.
“He started the season on a good note; sadly, he had to miss virtually the entire second half of the season.
“He might not be back this season but as a club, we will support him in every way, monitoring and ensuring that he is back in the game as soon as possible.”
