Mgijima eyes return to action after long injury layoff
Six Gun Grill WP all-rounder Aviwe Mgijima endured a season-ending Achilles injury whilst batting during the 4 Day Series match against the North West Dragons at Six Gun Grill Newlands back in March and five months later, the ever-positive Mgijima is in the final stages of his recovery as he eyes a return to action at the start of the domestic season in October.
The 33-year-old Mgijima admits that the injury was a tough one to take at the time but is excited to get going again.
“Being out for an extended period was tough on many levels. From wondering if you’re going to come back, to the weight gain and to not having a social life because you’re too scared to have a setback. The most frustrating part though was the initial four weeks when I had a cast and couldn’t do anything. Not being able to help around the house and with the little one was tough. I’m very grateful to my wife for holding it down during that period.”
“I’m very excited to be going back to training with the guys later this month and I’m hoping to be ready to play when season starts.”
Mgijima’s experience and ability and adaptability as a genuine all-rounder with his spin bowling, makes him an integral part of the WP line-up, in all formats: “I have been a senior player for a while now. I think the most important thing for me is to ensure that I’m doing well personally and training well, maybe in that way I will be able to inspire even one or two of the guys. I love chatting to the guys and getting to know them individually off the field. I think that goes a long way in making players comfortable in an environment.”
“The decision to change from seam to spin was one of the best decisions for my body and the enjoyment factor. I wasn’t bowling as much as I’d liked for the Cobras and I felt that if I worked hard at bowling spin, I could be a genuine option. I love bowling, so just being a fielder when we’re fielding wasn’t enough for me. I’ve also been lucky to have guys that I can call on for help or advice like Dane Piedt, Nkululeko Serame and George Linde, so I’m looking forward to taking a lot of wickets in all formats this season.”
When it comes to setting goals for the season, Mgijima is keeping it short and simple: “At the moment, after such a long layoff, the thing I’m looking forward to the most is simply playing cricket in all formats…and I really hope we can win a trophy.”