Posted in News on Mar 20, 2009.
The highly rated striker who earned a nickname “Obama” from Kaizer Chiefs faithful started his career at Amakhosi with a bang scoring a brace against Bidvest Wits University in November last year. That was followed by a goal against Santos and a winner early this year against Mamelodi Sundowns.
“I had a very good start in my career in South Africa having played for years in Europe. This was down to the way everyone welcomed me to the Club. I immediately wanted to repay everyone for the faith they showed in me,” he told kaizerchiefs.com on Friday morning.
Coach, Muhsin Ertugral admitted last week that the striker might sit out for the remainder of the season, “It is sad. I was really looking forward to contribute to the success of the team. We started the year on a high note especially in the league where I still believe we have a chance to bring it to Naturena,”
Ogbonna’s problems started when he was withdrawn few hours before the league fixture against Maritzburg United back in January.
“I first had to sit out earlier this year due to severe tonsillitis and when I recovered from that, now it is my knee. I remain hopeful that I will make a return to the team. I will have to wait and see what the doctors have to say next week, whether the meniscus in my right knee requires an operation or not.
“There have been concerns from people that I might have aggravated the ACL I had when I was in Romania. It is not the case, and I want to assure the supporters that I will bounce back in the team,” said Chiefs’ no. 99.
Ogbonna wished his teammates all the best in the upcoming game against Tuks, “We played them in a friendly this year and we all know that it will not be a walk in the park. I would have loved to play in Nedbank Cup but then again we have a capable team of professionals that is capable of going all the way to the final in May. I wish the guys all the best,” he concluded.
