AmaZulu midfielder Siphesihle Maduna nearing return after pre-season setback

AmaZulu FC coach Arthur Zwane says Siphesihle Maduna could soon be available for selection after missing much of pre-season and managing a groin injury.

Maduna returned to AmaZulu on a free transfer after leaving TS Galaxy before the new season. The midfielder played an important role for the Rockets last campaign and was expected to add another quality option to Zwane’s midfield.

However, he has not yet featured for Usuthu since rejoining the club. Zwane said Maduna’s lack of preparation meant it would have been unsafe to put him straight into competitive action.

“Maduna, he missed the better part of pre-season. He only trained for a week, if not a week and a half to two weeks. So that means he missed about four more weeks of preparation,” said Zwane.

The player was also dealing with a groin problem, which AmaZulu have treated cautiously to avoid making the injury worse.

“So, we couldn’t risk him, he was also having a little bit of a groin that we needed to manage, just to make sure that we don’t aggravate it,” Zwane added.

Maduna has now resumed training with his team-mates, but the coach stressed that he must complete the necessary return-to-play process before being considered for a match.

“We managed him and made sure that he’s ready whenever we need him. He has responded very well, to be quite honest. He started training with the guys,” said Zwane.

“Obviously, we have to follow the return to play protocols. So, we can’t take shortcuts, otherwise we may end up losing him for the better part of the season. So, we’re trying to be cautious.”

Zwane believes the 29-year-old’s return is approaching, although he said the midfielder must be ready physically and mentally before coming back into the squad.

“So yeah, anytime soon he might be available for selection. But the key thing is to make sure that he’s physically and mentally ready, psychologically as well,” said Zwane.

“So, all those aspects of him, I think he’ll come to give his best. Like we know, he’s one of the top players. So, there’s no doubt about it.”

The coach also explained that Maduna’s familiarity with AmaZulu could benefit the club’s younger players and those who have recently joined the squad.

“That’s the reason we actually brought him back into the club because if he knows the culture of the club, he’ll also help most of the youngsters as well. And the new players in the system to settle in quickly.”