Mandigora plots football comeback

FORMER Dynamos coach David “Yogi” Mandigora, who had his right leg amputated last month, is making steady recovery and is eager to bounce back as a football administrator.

The 1980 Soccer Star of the year told The Sunday Mail in an exclusive interview that having his leg amputated was a traumatic experience he initially struggled to accept.

“Having a part of your body cut off is traumatic and the first few days after the amputation were hell,” said Mandigora who was in a jovial mood.

“However, I am grateful to my former teammates, Dynamos football club, my family and all the people who have been so supportive during my time of need. It has helped me a lot in my recovery process.

“I am feeling a lot better now, and have been responding well to medication.”

The 60-year-old former Dynamos midfielder described football as his life.

“What happened to me is part of life, it can happen to anyone and has happened to several other people as well. The trick is to accept your fate and move on with life.

“Football is my life and I am looking forward to returning to the game but definitely not as a coach. With my leg amputated I won’t be able to demonstrate drills but certainly I can be an administrator. I have a lot to offer Zimbabwean football,” said Mandigora.

The veteran gaffer, who led Dynamos to their first league championship in 10 years back in 2007, is tipping current DeMbare coach Lloyd Mutasa to land his first Castle Lager Premier league title this year.

“Any of the four title-chasing teams is in with a chance but I feel Dynamos have a slight edge. Lloyd has done well, building this team from scratch, and deserves to win his maiden championship medal,” said Mandigora.