Posted in News on Mar 10, 2006.
Led by the boot of under-19 player Justice Selupha, who netted half a dozen goals in the 16-0 victory, and supported by Scara Ngobese and Lucky Mzizi, Chiefs ran riot over their opponents.
The highlight of the afternoon was when, with half an hour of the game left, Ernst Middendorp put Serge Djiehoua through his first examination on the road to gaining full match fitness. With a real test of character and strength Serge emerged from his competing in his first game in six months unscathed.
The powerful Ivorian striker looked strong on the ball and played like a man on a mission as he mowed down the opposition and struck the cross bar on two occasions, but was unfortunate not to have added his name onto the score sheet.
Commenting afterwards a gleaming and delighted Djiehoua said, "I feel fine and do not have any pains in my right leg. I felt good out there and I now have my confidence which was hiding away over the past few months. Just being able to play these thirty minutes is a massive step for me - I will now work harder this week to ensure that I can play between 45 and 60 minutes in next week Thursday’s game."
Coach Ernst Middendorp was just as delighted with Djiehoua’s progress saying, "for us this is a good sign. We expected his recovery to take much longer then it has and he needs to continue working hard. Anyhow this is the first step in the next phase of his recovery and we are optimistic that he will get more action in a friendly game we have lined up for next week."
When Serge first found out of the extent of his injury there were fears that he might be out of the game for life. The burly Ivorian did not sit back and his recovery to this point is a testament of his hard work and dedication.
The Amakhosi medical team, though hopeful he will be available for selection in the next four to six weeks, is cautious to throw him back in until he is able to complete 90 minutes in a practice game without any difficulty.
