Orlando Pirates vice-captain Tapelo Xoki has detailed the mental toll of his long-term injury setback and credited the club’s support structure for guiding him back toward full fitness.
The 31-year-old defender suffered severe knee damage involving tears to his anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] and medial collateral ligament [MCL] following a road traffic accident while on club duty last season.
The complex injury required surgery followed by an extensive rehabilitation process.
While the central defender has made significant strides in his physical recovery and recently returned to media duties, he continues to build match sharpness as he competes for a place in the matchday squad.
‘IT’S MORE MENTAL THAN PHYSICAL’: TAPELO XOKI
Speaking to journalists at Rand Stadium on Monday, Xoki highlighted the psychological hurdles that accompany a long period on the sidelines.
“You know, being injured is not only physical, it’s a lot mental than the body. First, there has to be that trust between the mind and the body. The mind has to trust what the body has to do for you to feel like you are safe again,” Xoki said.
“For me, that’s where I give credit to our physios. They’re not only treating the body, but also they were counselling me most of the time. I also have to give credit to the teammates of mine that have never made me feel like I’m an outsider, have never made me feel that I’ve been out for that long.
“I have always felt part of the team, with my contribution, even though I’m not playing, it’s always been appreciated. So that helps in terms of making me feel confident and making me feel appreciated and part of the team.”
ORLANDO PIRATES PREPARE FOR MTN8 FINAL AGAINST MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
With the Buccaneers gearing up for the MTN8 final showpiece, Xoki stressed that his personal journey takes a back seat to the collective target of securing silverware.
The Soweto giants are aiming to secure an unprecedented fifth consecutive MTN8 title after reaching their fifth successive final in the competition.
“So, for one, it’s a great feeling. But now we are playing a final. It’s not really about me, it’s about the team, it’s about everyone of us being ready and being ready to contribute to the team. And I’m sure every guy that is in the changeroom is ready and willing to put in their 100% for the club,” he added.
The Sea Robbers go head-to-head against Mamelodi Sundowns in a highly anticipated MTN8 final this Saturday, 10 October. The sold-out encounter will take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with kick-off set for 18:00, as confirmed by the PSL last week.
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