Koko's future uncertain

Former Township Rollers captain Sekhana ‘Nandos’ Koko’s career might be threatened by a knee injury he picked during the past weekend Mascom Top8 quarterfinal at the Jwaneng Galaxy Stadium.

The pacey winger, who was starting to regain his form under the tutelage of Zambian coach Mike ‘Dubula Dubula’ Sithole, suffered a knee injury during a quarterfinal game between Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Jwaneng Galaxy on Sunday. Koko contested for the ball with the young hard tackling Magosi defender Thato Kebue, who swiftly went for a sliding tackle.

Although Kebue won the ball fairly his trailing leg wedged up the left leg of Koko. This resulted in Koko coming out from the challenge with what looked like a dislocated knee joint. Following the injury Koko was instantly hurried to hospital for medical attention, while Kebue was subjected to an early shower by referee Lekgotla Johannes.

Considering the physical injury, the veteran winger who has played for both Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Township Rollers is unlikely to return to the pitch anytime soon. The Molepolole native’s injury may be prolonged, compounded by his advanced age on the pitch. In a post match interview, Galaxy headcoach Mike Sithole was quick to comment on the injury after his team outclassed Magosi 2- 0 at home. “It is so unfortunate that we lost Koko early into the season, it is a big loss to the team but we will try to see what we can come up with to cover his vacant position, we have plenty of players to look up to.”

For his part, Galaxy chairman Njabulo Gilika confirmed that the winger had dislocated his   knee. Gilika said they will wait for the knee scan to determine the extent of the injury. “The knee is still swollen and Koko is still in hospital,” he said, adding that the player might be out of action for over eight weeks if he has injured his ligaments.

Koko, who caused problems for Magosi on Sunday while playing for his current team Jwaneng Galaxy, has won two league honours, a Mascom top 8 final and two FA Cup titles during his spell at both Popa and Magosi. He was part of the senior national team that qualified for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations but did not make it into the final 23 men squad.