LAZARUS Kaimbi is optimistic about the future after overcoming the nightmare of a career-threatening injury and enhancing his stock in Malaysia.
The fleet-footed forward rediscovered his form at Pahang FA whom he helped to second place in the Malaysian Super League last year.
Kaimbi has been nothing short of sensational during his brief stint with Pehang. He scored four Super League goals in as many matches and registered seven in six Malaysia Cup outings.
His performances were nothing short of sensational and have suitors jostling for his signature.
“To be honest, I had an impressive season or rather second half (six months) with Pahang FA in Malaysia, seeing that I had just recovered from the worst injuries in my football career,” Kaimbi told The Namibian Sport in an interview.
Presently on pre-season weighing up his options in South-East Asia, the 31-year-old is keen to stay fit and maintain momentum.
“I am actually a player who does not set targets, but challenge myself to do better than in previous seasons,” he said of his expectations for the new season.
“My short stint with Pahang FC in the Malaysian Super League has opened a lot of doors for me. I have made a good name for myself in South-East Asia, but if change need be, with any lucrative opportunities from elsewhere, I will go for it. I like new experiences and challenges,” Kaimbi said.
Kaimbi has endured many setbacks over the last few years that a lesser character may well have called it a day.
But his perseverance and passion for the game have seen him rise above adversity and revive his career.
“As mentioned before, it was the worst injury I have sustained in my career. I joined Kelantan FC in Malaysia during the second half of the season to help them fight relegation. And just 10 days into the contract with the team, after playing my first game for them and assisting one goal against Kedah FC which ended in a 1-1 draw, the next day in training I ruptured my Achilles tendon and landed in the operation room a day later,” he narrated.
He spent over a year and a half recovering from the setback, prompting Kelatan to loan him to Pahang, a move that proved a turning point for the talented attacker.
“It is unbelievable though, how I have recovered and had one of my best seasons after that experience. But like in any other tough situation, mental strength and the will to not give up got me through the experience, not forgetting the support from close friends and family,” Kaimbi said of getting over the ordeal.
“I appreciate the love, encouragement and support I continue to receive from fans and supporters on social media. You guys bring part of the courage I need to endure the challenges that come with being a foreign based footballer. Thank you.”
He has put his name back in the Brave Warriors conversation, especially with the team under new management and challenging for a spot at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and 2022 Fifa World Cup.
Kaimbi had a spectacular fallout with previous head coach Ricardo Mannetti whom he accused of being unprofessional and overlooking his exploits abroad.
“I have always been available to represent my country at national level, as I am, with pride, a foreign based footballer.
Once the country’s brightest prospect, Kaimbi harbours no regrets of how his career has panned out so far.
Most of his career has been spent in South Africa and Thailand, where he enjoyed his best spell before moving to Malaysia.
He believes that he can still make the grade at the highest level.
“This tank is not running out soon and there’s still much to offer. I’m just hoping to not get any career-threatening injuries, despite there not being guarantees or prevention measures for injuries in the game of football. I will play for as long as my legs can carry the speed and deliver the skill,” he said.
“I have no regrets at all. I had many good seasons in Thailand, including a goal of the season (2012) and I’m sure I can replicate that in Malaysia,” said Kaimbi.
“Football is all about proving your worth and for as long as I believe in myself and my abilities, I can only be grateful for the God-given talent that I am still able to showcase, maintain and benefit from immensely.”
