SPORT: Manzini back for Chippa United
RECOVERED Chippa United striker Lerato Manzini hopes to catch at least three matches before the Absa Premiership season ends
Manzini, who has missed out on 16 PSL matches after injuring his shoulder in January, returned to the training field on Tuesday and worked with the club’s conditioning coach, Madoda Moyo.
The Chilli Boys travel to the Dr Molemela Stadium to face Bloemfontein Celtic on Tuesday and next Saturday play Super-Sport United at East London’s Sisa Dukashe Stadium.
They then end off their league campaign in Limpopo against Polokwane City.
Manzini is targeting the Super-Sport United match to make his longawaited comeback.
However, getting his spot back in the team will not be easy with Mxolisi Macupu, in-form Edward Manqele and veteran striker Katlego Mashego waiting in the wings.
“I am ready to join my teammates now,” the 27-year-old striker said.
“I have been working hard on rehabilitation for the past month.
“I would like to thank the club’s medical team and everyone for their support in the past couple of months.
“I should be fit to take the field against Super-Sport United. I am aware of the competition for places in the team and I am willing to put in the work and take it from there.”
The former Bloemfontein Celtic player was one of the Chilli Boys’ best attackers before the injury.
Since joining the Port Elizabethbased side three seasons ago, he has netted 15 goals for the team.
Chippa are seventh on the log with 34 points from 27 games.
Positive results from the remaining matches would see the team maintain their spot in the top eight.
Manzini’s return could be vital in making sure that Chippa reach that goal.