Gastin Simkonda’s career over?
Moyale Barracks FC are keeping under wraps the future of talisman Gastin Simkonda, who broke his neck in a car accident in March.
Simkonda was injured together with two of his team teammates – Boyiboyi Chima and Lovemore Mitengo.
Chima has since recovered and managed to feature for the soldiers in both Airtel Top 8 Cup and the ongoing TNM Super League matches while Mitengo has been training with the first team and could be featured any time.
Reports from the Kaning’ina camp indicate that Simkonda’s playing career might be over following the accident.
Some players have confided in The Daily Times that the goalpoacher will not be able to play again because he broke his “neck discs”.
The Moyale captain was briefly seen during Moyale’s league game against Silver Strikers on Sunday, with his neck restricted from movement by cervical collar support.
Simkonda was spotted going in and out of Moyale’s dressing room at halftime during the match.
Moyale Barracks’ Team Doctor, Zimveka Chatsika, declined to comment, saying he has been out of office for some time.
“I may give you wrong information because I do not know how he is feeling now,” Chatsika said.
In a separate interview, Simkonda said he cannot talk to the media following his bosses’ orders not to do so.
“I have been ordered not to say anything to the media about my injury. So I do not want to go against my bosses’ order,” he calmly replied.
General Secretary, Precious Gausi, referred us back to Chatsika.
“What I know is that he will return after he recovers. But I may not be in a position to say whether he will play again or not. Maybe if you find out from our medical team,” Gausi said.
Team Manager, Gerald Kanje, also said the team is still waiting for communication from the team doctor [Chatsika] on the player’s condition.
He said Simkonda has been undergoing physiotherapy to help speed up his recovery.
“As of now, we cannot say that he will not play again. The team doctor’s report is what will explain everything and we are waiting for it,” Kanje said.
The accident happened in Mzimba District as the three players and other soldiers were travelling to Lilongwe in a military vehicle.
Simkonda is also a Flames striker and if he, indeed, hangs up his boots, the soccer fraternity will lose one of the country’s most potent goalscorers.
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