Injured John Banda set to bounce back
After being reduced to a sideshow with an injury for about two months, Flames and Blue Eagles midfielder John ‘CJ’ Banda is expected to return to action mid November.
Banda who twisted an ankle in early August while playing for his club at Zomba Community Centre ground, said he is recovering well.
“I am currently working on physical fitness. The doctors say I can start full-time jogging in a week’s time. So, between November 15 and 20, I should be back in action,” he said.
Banda said staying out of action has been frustrating as this is the longest lay-off he has ever had in his career.
Prior to his injury, he was one of the Flames best performers after scoring in two successive competitive games against Nigeria and Chad in June.
The injury saw him miss Flames 2013 Afcon qualifiers against Ghana which the latter won 3-0 on aggregate.
“I really felt bad missing those games, maybe I would have done well again. But all the same, the guys tried their best.
“The solace is that we still have the [2014] World Cup qualifiers coming and we can do well.
“Kinnah hinted that I might be considered for the Cecafa Tournament in November if I will be fit and I can’t wait to play for the Flames again,” said Banda.
Kinnah said the absence of Banda was felt in the games against Ghana.
“He gives out his best and is able to score. He is also one of the few proper natural right-wingers we have at the moment,” said Kinnah.
