Mushekwi dogged by injuries

The injuries, the last of which came during his clubs weekend game, a 3-2 win over Golden Arrows at the Lucas Moripe stadium, have hampered Mushekwis drive to be one of the few Zimbabwean players to have won the Golden Boot Award in two different countries, having scooped his first in Zimbabwe while turning out for Caps United in 2009.

The free-scoring Mushekwi was just two goals from playing catch-up with his countryman and Warriors strike partner, Knowledge Musona, now joint leader with Katlego Mphela at 11 goals, until the former Caps star was taken out in the 28th minute, after he had collided with Free State Stars goalkeeper, Kennedy Mweene and suffered a concussion in his clubs 2-1 loss two weeks ago. Mushekwi had levelled the scores for the Downs just seconds earlier in the match.

The Warriors striker then missed the Brazilians three games that followed and only returned to action last weekend, but briefly so, as he joined his teams long injury list again soon after that game. Sundowns assistant coach, Harold Legodi, confirmed Mushekwis latest injury, adding that he was not sure when the Zimbabwean would be back in the first team, with only seven league games remaining before the end of the season.

His injuries have been a blow to both the player and the club because he had begun to make a big impact in the team and was also in line for individual honours, but it is still not too late for him to return and continue where he left off, said Legodi.

Sundowns, coached by former Zimbabwe international striker, Ian Gorowa, are back in contention for a league title, as they are now placed third on the 16-team log, just three points behind leaders Orlando Pirates and would welcome a speedy recovery for Mushekwi, whose average of one-goal a match was one of the best in the league.

Also injured is defensive midfielder and fellow former Caps United player, Lionel Mutizwa, who had begun to find game time at Chloorkop under Gorowa. Both players have been named in Zimbabwe national team Coach Norman Mapezas select side for an away African Nations Cup qualifier against Mali in Bamako later this month and will be racing against time to be fit by then.