The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
SHOULDER surgery has ruled out Zimbabwean goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini out of action for his South African premiership side, Highlands Park for the remaining matches of the season.
Kapini underwent a right shoulder operation last month and will only return to action next season. The former Highlanders goalkeeper said he picked up the injury in 2015 during his first season with Highlands Park and had continued playing for four seasons until a decision was made by the club’s medical personnel that he gets an operation to fix the problem.
“This injury I got it in 2015, my first season with Highlands Park but I kept on playing with it, I didn’t know that I was going to tear some ligaments. I played with this injury for about four seasons until our game against Kaizer Chiefs, I was on the bench then the following Monday when we were about to train it completely came out,” Kapini said.
With the Lions of the North safe from relegation, it was decided that he gets the shoulder fixed so that he is ready for next season. At the moment, he is undergoing rehabilitation.
A member of the Zimbabwe national team at the 2004 and 2006 Africa Cup of Nations finals, the 34-year-old Kapini was eyeing a call up to the Warriors for this year’s Afcon in Egypt but he can no longer be looked at since he is sidelined by injury.
Kapini played 13 matches for Highlands Park in the Absa Premiership this season. The Lions of the North who face Cape Town City in the Mother City on Tuesday have 34 points secured from seven wins and 13 draws which makes them safe from demotion.
With Kapini out injured, South African Marlon Heugh is now the first choice goalkeeper for Highlands Park. Kapini’s contract with Highlands Park expires at the end next season.
@Mdawini_29
