In sports , Injuries are inevitable. Even when athletes are in peak physical form and specifically train to stay fit, a simple errant step , awkward landing or violent collision can turn into ugly moments.

When such serious injuries happen to athletes, it makes the return tougher but the Injury comebacks are motivating always . With the right recovery and a lot of mental toughness, a player can return better and stronger . Here is the story of Mara Sugar right back Arnold Akafwale from a near career ending injury to creating goals again.

In 2022, Arnold was coming off a tough season and had just rediscovered his form when he suffered a season ending injury in round 16 of National Super League 2021/2022 season against Kibera Black Stars at Camp Toyoyo.

Arnold got into a violent collision ,leaving him with chest pains and a dislocated right shoulder ; ending his streak of 15 straight starts for the millers in his 1st NSL season.

Akwafale recounts going up for the ball for a tackle that could leave him out of the game for almost 13 months . “ I can recall going up for the ball and the next time I was in a hospital bed surrounded by my Mara Sugar team mates. “
After three weeks in hospital, the speedy right back was discharged and embarked on a tough recovery journey, which he termed as “hell”. “ Immediately after been discharged, it was now time for recovery ,the journey was tough I had to unlearn and learn new norm in my daily routine which very difficult to me . “
Recovery process was coupled with depression battles ,rejection and at one moment thought of hanging up the boots crossed his mind.

Arnold is however, grateful to Mara Sugar Fc team manager Thomas Mboya , technical director Boniface Ambani and the then coach John Baraza who ensured he got proper treatment and his contract with Mara Sugar remained put .
After 13 months 3 weeks out of action , Arnold made a comeback against Darajani Gogo FC on 14.05.2023 and looked as good as ever assisting Mara Sugar third goal in the three nil win.
The former Sony Sugar defender is aiming to return to his prime as soon as possible and help Mara Sugar get FKF Premier League promotion.