Interview with injured Honour Gombami

Zimbabwean midfielder Honour Gombami will never forget the 2nd of November 2009, when an away fixture against KER Genk in Belgium was scheduled. The midfielder, who had made his Cercle Brugge debut in the same venue, sustained a horrible knee injury and it didn’t take long to realise that his season was over.

Cercle’s web team had an interview with genial Gombami five months later.

Honour, what happened that night?

“I immediately knew something was definitely wrong: never before in my life have I felt such an excruciating pain. I tore both the meniscus and back cartilage in my right knee. I was taken to hospital and was in pain. I underwent knee surgery and started a lengthy rehabilitation process in the gym, the very next day. I could hardly move my knee and doing the same exercises over and over again was extremely boring, but I knew there was no alternative.”

How did you survive?

“The mental part was the worst: I was in so much pain. I sometimes wondered if things would ever be all right again. How long is this going to last; I would ask myself. I had far too much time to think, lying in bed, being at home all the time. Today, fortunately, is different, as I make progress every day.”

You went home at Christmas, didn’t you?

“I was so happy to spend ten precious days in my native country Zimbabwe. At first I was not willing to inform my family but I felt I had to tell them when the  newspapers started reporting on my injury. There were fears my career would be over at the age of 26, but I told my parents and brothers not to believe all newspaper stories.  They felt sorry for me but they knew I would work very hard to get back. My family means so much to me. We get in touch every day and I give a detailed account every day and what progress I’m making.”

Are you recovering well?

“I train with Cercle four days a week and spend two days at the rehabilitation centre where I do strength training, doing all sorts of exercises.”

How do you assess your future?

“I am in the gym these days but I do not practise with a football yet. It would be a dream come true to have returned to full fitness at the start of the new season, but there’s no reason to rush things. Better late than never. I am in a positive frame of mind but I will not put pressure on myself and get disappointed. There’s light at the end of the tunnel. I am really happy I’ve made so much progress yet.”

Do you get support from your team mates?

“Oh yes, I do! My team mates, the coaching and medical staff, everybody sympathizes with me. I have experienced Cercle is a wonderful, family-like football organisation.

There’s no better place for a youngster who tries his luck his abroad than
Cercle Brugge. I’ve always felt welcome in Brugge. I love life at Cercle. It’s always been great fun to play football here. Having said that, I must admit that rehabilitating is extremely demanding, especially from a mental point of view. I see my team mates go out on the training pitch, smiling brightly, and sharing a joke and I am inside the gym, doing exercises. That sometimes hurts. I think I’m getting used to that or should I say: I’m slightly getting used to that….”

How is the relationship with the fans?

“I visit all the home games and supports will come to me to ask how I’m doing. I like having a chat with them. It’s an incentive to work even harder and try to get fit again.”

How important is your fellow countryman Vuza Nyoni?

“Vuza means the world to me. He’s like a brother and he is a great help. Vuza knows exactly what he should do and what he should not do. Being there is sometimes enough. He will always listen to my stories and knows when I need to relax. There is a play station and we watch TV or surf the internet.”

Your Cercle Brugge team mates face a hectic fixture list. How do you rate their chances?

“I’m so proud of them: they have reached the Belgian Cup final. In Zimbabwe we have a completely different system, with a number of cup finals. 15 May is going to be a big game. I will be in Brussels on the day and hope we’ll win the Cup. It would be marvellous to play in Europe next season and meet big teams. Showing your skills on that stage would be an opportunity for any player. But I also hope we’ll win play-off II group.”

Have you got holiday plans?

“I’m going home and see some World Cup games, as South Africa is not too far away. It is the first time an African country host a World Cup tournament and I want to be there!”

Have you got a favourite team?

Wouldn’t it be great if South Africa were doing well, but I’m afraid they’ll face a tall task. Brazil will always be favourites to win but I would love to see England lift the cup. I’ve always supported Manchester United, ever since I was a small kid.”

Honour, thank you very much for this interview. We wish you all the best and hope to see you back in action on the pitch soon.

“Thank you very much. Yes, if I make a comeback, I will be better than ever!”

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