Nxumalo out to defy the seizures
Ajax striker aims to score 20 goals
Ajax Cape Town striker Prince Nxumalo has set himself a 20-goal target, hoping that his epilepsy won’t stand on his way this season.
For the last two seasons, Nxumalo’s career had been hampered by a spate of epileptic seizures that also saw him fail to honour his first Bafana Bafana call-up against Costa Rica and Honduras in October
2015. Nevertheless, the Umlazi-born striker is prepared to defy the odds, believing that he can reach double digits this season and help the Urban Warriors finish inside the top eight.
“I would be happy if I can score 20 goals. I am confident I can do it. I have never felt this better since this thing [epileptic fits] started. This season will be special for me,” Nxumalo told Sowetan. “It has not been easy to deal with it, but I have always been positive that it would not disturb my career.
“I do not even remember when the last time I had a seizure, that surely tells you that I am getting better,” added the former SuperSport United player who scored six goals in all competitions last season.
The 27-year-old has admitted that the team stuttered into the new season, but thinks they have turned the corner after their 2-1 win against Bloemfontein Celtic at the weekend.
“We did not start well, but now things are shaping up. Our win against Celtic was very important and showed that we are heading in the right direction. The coach has found his best combinations.”
Nxumalo has scored two goals so far this season. His goal-scoring form will be vital if Ajax are to advance to the last eight of the Telkom Knockout when they visit Polokwane City in the cup competition’s first round at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
‘‘ I am confident I can do it. I have never felt this better since the fits started.