Botes unlikely to feature this season

Namibian international soccer player Henrico Botes is struggling with a nagging knee injury that could force him out of action for the rest of the season.

According to Kickoff’s official web site this week, Botes, who plays for Platinum Stars in South Africa, has admitted that he has made no contribution to the Tycoons since the arrival of Miguel Gamondi at the club, but says the reason for this is that he is struggling with a knee injury. The Namibian forward adds that there is an extremely slim chance that he will play again this season even though he is already well into his rehabilitation.”I am still busy working out with the club fitness trainer in the gym, swimming pool and on a bicycle.But there has been nothing concrete in terms of progress as I have been trying to strengthen my leg.Frankly, there is still a long way to go before I am ready to play and my chances of playing this season are almost zero.”I did try to jog recently but it felt just too uncomfortable and the doctor told me to stop because the cartilage is only just beginning to grow.”The towering forward, who underwent surgery in December, has only featured in four games since the beginning of the season and Gamondi has yet to see what he has to offer.”However, I do keep in constant contact with him.I am also happy that our strikers Phumudzo Manenzhe and Luis Renteria are doing well right now,” he said.The former Brave Warriors striker last featured for the senior national team against Ethiopia in October 2006, in a 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifier tie at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.During the match the former skipper spat on an Ethiopian player where he was slapped with a six-match ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).NampaThe Namibian forward adds that there is an extremely slim chance that he will play again this season even though he is already well into his rehabilitation.”I am still busy working out with the club fitness trainer in the gym, swimming pool and on a bicycle.But there has been nothing concrete in terms of progress as I have been trying to strengthen my leg.Frankly, there is still a long way to go before I am ready to play and my chances of playing this season are almost zero.”I did try to jog recently but it felt just too uncomfortable and the doctor told me to stop because the cartilage is only just beginning to grow.”The towering forward, who underwent surgery in December, has only featured in four games since the beginning of the season and Gamondi has yet to see what he has to offer.”However, I do keep in constant contact with him.I am also happy that our strikers Phumudzo Manenzhe and Luis Renteria are doing well right now,” he said.The former Brave Warriors striker last featured for the senior national team against Ethiopia in October 2006, in a 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifier tie at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.During the match the former skipper spat on an Ethiopian player where he was slapped with a six-match ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).Nampa