Amakhosi rookie defender Sihle Mbambo was responding well to treatment after undergoing a knee operation on Monday at a clinic in Johannesburg, to repair damaged ligaments in his right knee. The 19 year old who was promoted to the Chiefs first team at the start of the season, will faces the prospect of a lengthy lay off as he works his way back to full fitness from the injury. Mbambo injured himself around a week ago after falling awkwardly at home and at first it was thought that he had damaged his meniscus, after undergoing a scan it was discovered that he had done damage to knee ligaments instead.

Four month lay off

Amakhosi physiotherapist David Milner tells kaizerchiefs.com that Mbambo’s operation was a success according to the specialist who operated on him, the hard work now starts for the young defender as his rehabilitation work starts. Milner explained, “Sihle has been doing well in the post operation period which is a good sign, in all he is not have much trouble with movement which is also positive”. On how long it will take Mbambo to get back into a normal training regime Milner added, “Sihle is looking at a recovery period of around four months, I envisage that some time during our pre-season preparations he will begin basic training and by mid to end August should start training as usual again”.

Mbambo pain

The young defender who is currently moving around with the aid of crutches was feeling the pains of life as a professional footballer, and was is looking to quickly over come the disappointment of this setback. “Thankfully the operation went well, it is some what disappointing that I have to deal with an injury of this nature so early on in my career” explained a deeply disappointed Mbambo. “The thing is I now need to fight back and ensure that the recovery process goes well, I hope that when the new season starts I am fit and ready to go” concluded Mbambo.