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 ‘Gabadinho’ undergoes another operation

Flames injury-plagued forward Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango underwent another groin operation recently which will further delay his return to action.

Mhango was first operated on his right side in May before undergoing another one on the left side 10 days ago.

Set to bounce back next month: Mhango (C)
Set to bounce back next month: Mhango (C)

However, the South Africa-based forward said he is optimistic of bouncing back into action early next month, but is doubtful for the Flames’ 2017 Africa Cup of Nations’ qualifier against Swaziland away in Mbabane on September 6.

“I am starting individual light training today [yesterday] then after a week or so, I should be able to start serious training. But my availability for the Swaziland game will depend on the doctor’s advice as there are other issues such as level of fitness that need to be looked into,” said the Bloemfontein Celtic forward.

Mhango, who will turn 23 next month, said initially when Celtic team doctor discovered his problem he recommended groin surgery for both sides.

“But the doctor at the hospital where I was treated, opted to start with the right side [that was in May], but when I came back for pre-season preparations, the left side also started giving me problems that is when I went for the second surgery,” he said.

Flames coach Ernest Mtawali also cast his doubt on the availability of Mhango for the Swaziland game.

“I have also been informed by [John] Maduka [Celtic team manager] that Gaba underwent another operation and might only start full-scale training next month. We need to give him time to pick himself up and avoid rushing him into the thick of things,” said Mtawali.

Mhango also missed the 2015 Cosafa Cup and the 2017 Afcon qualifier against Zimbabwe due to the same problem.

Celtic noted that while Mhango was able to play last season, they discovered that he was carrying an injury that might have affected his form.

Last season, the former Big Bullets wonderboy was a shadow of his old self as he failed to repeat his debut season in the rainbow nation when he finished the season as second leading scorer behind Kaizer Chiefs’ Bernard Parker.

According to webmd.com, A groin pull or groin strain results from putting too much stress on muscles in your groin and thigh. If these muscles are tensed too forcefully or too suddenly, they can get overstretched or torn.

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