MULENGA

By ELIAS CHIPEPO-
CHIPOLOPOLO midfielder Mukuka Mulenga has returned to full training at his Absa PSL side Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mulenga has been out of action since suffering an ankle injury in August last year in Zambia’s 2-0 win over Botswana in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier.
His good performance during the COSAFA Senior Challenge Cup that saw Zambia winning the competition after beating Zimbabwe saw the former Power Dynamos player-marker signing a contract with Sundowns.
But Mulenga, who is yet to start a game for the Brazilians, resumed full training yesterday and is in contention for his debut when Sundowns play Bloemfontein Celtic tonight.
According to the club website, Mukuka, who underwent an operation early in the season, has made remarkable progress and has since started full training ahead of tonight’s clash at Lotus Stadium.
Mukuka’s return is a major boost for Sundowns, who have been hit by injuries, while on the international stage he may be in line to play for the Chipolopolo against Japan in an international friendly match on June 6.
Sundowns coach Pisto Mosimane has been patiently waiting for Mukuka’s recovery following his impressive showing during the COSAFA tournament where he was voted the Most Valuable Player.
‘‘We are still waiting patiently for Mukuka to recover from his injury. I know what Mukuka can do and I know what Mukuka did at COSAFA …I am sure you also saw him. This boy is a ‘General’ and exceptional player,’’ Mosimane told kickoff in February.
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo striker Jacob Mulenga has won praise from his FC Utrecht coach Jan Wouters following his return from injury.
Wouters said Mulenga was a top striker and that his return provides him with various options in attack due to his physical presence and speed including ball control.
‘‘Jacob is an important player for us and it was good for him and the club that he scored so soon after his return and is important for the team.
I am happy with his return as I can now have the pleasure of substituting two forwards (Mulenga and De Ridder) for two other forwards (Van der Gun and Agudelo),’’ he said.