Versatile AFC Leopards midfielder Marvin Nabwire is keen to bounce with ten league goals in the second leg of the Kenyan Premier League following a long layoff.
Nabwire has been out since December last year after he tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and the club says he is expected to return to action early next year.
The injury forced the youthful midfielder to go under the knife in April and despite resuming light training recently, he will not be called upon before he clears his rehabilitation process, according to the club's team manager Tom Juma.
"He is almost ready for action but we do not want to rush him back. We will go by the doctor's word and we are hoping he will clear him early next year," said Juma, a former Harambee Stars holding midfielder.
Nabwire revealed that he will be eyeing double digits when he returns despite lack of match fitness and the competition for playing time at the star-studded Ingwe midfield.
"I am glad my recovery has been good and hopefully I will return to the pitch at the end of the year. I can't wait to do what I do best once I am back. I will be seeking to score more than ten goals or create a similar number of assists in the second leg. We are currently doing good and the depth in the unit has brought competition, hence the glamorous start," he said.
Ingwe are second with 14 points, one shy of league leaders and their arch-rivals Gor Mahia.
Nabwire, a former Kakamega High School player, opened up of his struggles on the recovery path where he had to dig deep into his pockets to secure gym services.
"It has not been easy from December 24 when I got injured. I had to wait for four months to undergo surgery due to a few challenges. The club did not have their own gym and had to use my resources to access nearby facilities. But I thank the management for leaning on my side and supporting me when I needed them most. Additionally, I thank my teammates for their support," said Nabwire.
Meanwhile, Leopards assistant coach Anthony Kimani showered the current crop of defenders at the club for sealing last season's loopholes.
"The defence has improved this season courtesy of the quality pre-season preparations we had. We conceded relatively cheap goals last season but we managed to fix the rear before the season began. Our goalkeeper, Benjamin Ochan, has also been in good shape," said Kimani.
Ingwe face Ulinzi Stars this weekend pursuing to go top of the table as Gor will be out of action.
