Civo optimistic despite injuries

Civil Service United has attributed its poor run in the TNM Super League to the team’s growing injury list.

Civo United lost to Mzuzu University [Mzuni] FC 1-0 last Saturday to drop to position nine in the 16-team league.

The Lilongwe giants’ vice-captain Blessings Kawanga will be sidelined for two months, influential midfielder Dan Msimuko is expected to return in three weeks.

Midfielders Rightious Banda and Thoko Harrison are both nursing ankle injuries.

But Jeresi Lufeyo and defender Ian Chinyama could be fit to play this weekend.

In an interview yesterday, Civo coach Milias Jegwe-Pofera said he was worried with the length of Kawanga’s injury, but was optimistic that the return of some players will add strength to his side.

Kawanga fractured his ankle during a match against Be Forward Wanderers at Kamuzu stadium last month. He is in a plaster of Paris (PoP).

“It is sad that we won’t have some of our influential players for such a long period. But the only hope is that Ian and Jeresi are back,” said the coach.

While partly attributing the inconsistent start to the season to the injuries, Pofera said the team is yet to gel.

“Injuries have affected us, but I think the key reason we are inconsistent is because we are rebuilding the team and good results don’t just come instantly,” said Pofera, who joined Civo almost two months. Meanwhile, Chinyama said he was looking forward to playing again after being sidelined for a month with a knee injury.

“I am feeling okay now having resumed training. I can’t wait to start playing again,” he said.