Simba SC star Dilunga returns to full training 

Dilunga is undergoing the entirety of the session along with his teammates, making a step closer to making a comeback to the pitch.

The 29-year-old midfielder has not played for Simba SC this season. His last appearance came in a duel against Mbeya Kwanza FC in a 2021/22 NBC Premier League game on February 6.

He underwent surgery on a knee mid-last year and was touted for a comeback in January but is now able to take part in full training once again.

Simba SC said on the squad’s website: "Midfielder Hassan Dilunga has officially started training today after being out for more than a year due to an injury layoff."

The statement disclosed: "Dilunga suffered a knee injury in February last year and underwent surgery in June in South Africa and, according to medical diagnosis, he was supposed to stay out of the pitch for more than eight months to recover."

The former Young Africans and Mtibwa Sugar midfielder expressed his delight at joining his teammates for the first time.

Dilunga noted: “I feel good, if it were possible to play without being registered, maybe I could play for five to ten minutes. After my diagnosis and surgery in June, I was told I would be back to training after nine months.”

The midfielder pointed out: “And here I am now back to training as part of my recovery. I have missed playing football but the doctors have urged me to take it slow."

"I am grateful for Simba SC’s management who took care of my financial needs all that time,” Dilunga revealed.

However, Dilunga would not feature in any competitive game this season as his name was not included in the Simba registration for the 2022/23 campaign.

Simba SC will monitor his progress before deciding whether he is ready to be re-signed for next season.

The Msimbazi Street outfit revealed: "Dilunga was not among the players registered this season, so he will continue training until the end of the season while the medical panel continues to evaluate and treat him.”

“If his health continues to improve as it is now, then Dilunga will be registered for next season."

The Robert Oliveira-coached Simba SC is next in action on Saturday when they host Horoya in the CAF Champions League Group Stage.

Simba SC is occupying second place in the Group C table with six points and is looking for another home victory to go through to the quarterfinal stage of the 2022/23 CAF Champions League.