Lanjesi out for rest of season

Flames and Nyasa Big Bullets’ captain John Lanjesi is expected to undergo a second operation for his knee injury on October 11, a development he says will make him miss football for the rest of the season.

The prolific defender confirmed yesterday that doctors have told him after the second surgery he would need ample time to recover.

“I was expected to undergo the operation on September 20, but the doctors have shifted it to October 11. They said after that, I will be required to have between six and eight weeks of recovery period, meaning it would be hardly possible to return to action this season,” he said.

Lanjesi has already stayed out of action for almost three months since he landed awkwardly in the 43rd minute when Bullets thrashed Mlatho Mponela 3-0 in a TNM Super League encounter at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Then, Bullets team doctor Felix Mwalule said an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan revealed that the central defender damaged his anterior cruciate ligament on his right knee.

Bullets’ chief administration officer Albert Chigoga yesterday said they are doing anything possible to get Lanjesi the best medication and care for his welfare.

“We are closely monitoring his progress to recovery and we are providing his needs. However, we are hopeful that he will be back to action sooner than expected,” he said.

Flames coach Meke Mwase said the national team misses Lanjesi’s services and he wished him a quick recovery.