Nyirenda nears return to action

Defender Harry Nyirenda might return to action next week after battling a leg injury for over a month, his South Africa Premier Soccer League side Black Leopards have indicated.

In a telephone interview on Monday, Leopards chairperson David Thidiela confirmed that Nyirenda was through with his rehabilitation.

“He has made progress and he should be back in training by next week,” said Thidiela.

Nyirenda should join compatriot Dave Banda who played a full game on Saturday as Leopards beat Saint Eloi Lupolo of the Democratic Republic of Congo 4-2 in the African Confederation Cup second round match at Giyani Stadium.

Leopards travel to Lubumbashi for the return leg on April 16.

“Many soccer pundits are saying we should focus on one thing, survival. But I have much bigger ambitions than that,” Thidiela told the club’s website www.blackleopardsfc.com

Nyirenda’s comeback should excite the Flames ahead of the forthcoming qualifiers for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2014 World Cup.