.SINKALA

From FELIX MALUNGA –
in Ebebiyin
MIDFIEDLER Nathan Sinkala has asked to be released from the Chipolopolo squad to enable him recuperate from home.
Chipolopolo team doctor Joseph Kabungo said the Switzerland-based midfielder, who injured his knee, would be released from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) camp once everything had been finalised to enable him recuperate from home.
Kabungo said the Chipolopolo medics could not allow him to fly out earlier because they wanted him to stabilise first.
“As you know when he got injured, it was not prudent to start moving a player who is in pain with a knee problem and you start flying him from point A to B. It was not going to be in the best interest of the player. We had to make sure he stabilised.
“You have seen for yourselves, he is able to walk without any help. He has made significant progress but like I said his injury it will take as earlier stipulated (a month) period.  It’s not a pushy thing but as a player, he is concerned about his wellbeing just like all of us. That’s the reason we are here is to take care of the players,” Kabungo said.
He, however, said Sinkala would need to take a comprehensive medical report from the Chipolopolo medics back to his club.
“We needed to have a complete picture of him so that we can have an MRI done and the line of management will still remain the same. Because it is important to do that, he is a professional player.
He belongs to a club and I think it’s better that before he gets back to either his old club or new club, we furnish them with a full report. With our physical findings and together with the MRI findings,” Kabungo said.
Kabungo said the decision on when Sinkala would be released would be communicated once discussions have been finalised.
He said people should not doubt the competences back home because Zambia has the necessary investigative equipment in form of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which can do the work just like they can do it in South Africa.
“So there is really no need to panic on his issue. It will be attended in most professional way,” he said.