The comeback of Kickie Dzimba: Holyport FC's FA Cup hero

Credit: jonathanbowker.co.uk

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For any footballer, there are plenty of reasons to be thrilled about being back on the pitch at the start of a new season – the chance of lifting a trophy; getting on the scoresheet; and putting all of that work in pre-season to good use, to name a few.

However, the recent return to competitive football has been even more special for Holyport’s Kickie Dzimba who faced a test greater than even the most gruelling of training drills earlier this year.

In May, the 18-year-old fell into a coma after contracting pneumonia which, in turn, led to several other complications with his body. Upon waking up, he remained in an intensive care unit where he was closely monitored by medical staff and administered medication.

After several weeks, Dzimba left the hospital and, rather admirably, was eager to get straight back onto a football pitch. But under the advice of specialists and guidance of Port manager Sam Lock, he has taken things gradually.

On Saturday, he was handed his first start for the club since being discharged and grabbed his first goal of the season – scoring the opener in Holyport’s 2-1 win against Ascot United in the FA Cup preliminary round – before being brought off in the 68th minute.

Grinning from ear to ear, Dzimba told the Advertiser at full-time: “Knowing that you are going to start a game is so underrated in football I think, especially when you’ve been out for such a long time. Today was my first start in four months. I was buzzing all week for it and even more excited on Friday night. To get a goal aswell was just the cherry on top.

“In May, I was in a bad situation with my health. I got pneumonia and from that I got a lot of other diseases that affected my organs, and I ended up in a coma. I eventually woke up and had to stay in ICU and take antibiotics. That lasted pretty much the whole month.

“After getting out of the hospital, I wanted to get down to the Astro straight away and try to do some stepovers, but I had to take things slow.

“Locky (Sam Lock) has helped me so much on my journey back. He’s given me 20 minutes here, 30 minutes there, and I’m really grateful to him and Holyport. The club done a lot for me during that time I was in hospital, and it really did help me get through.

“I would also like to thank all of my friends, family, and God for getting me through that tough time. My performance today would also never have happened without them. Hopefully I can be at my best and even better before long.”

Lock made the call to start Dzimba against Ascot United early last week after speaking with the 18-year-old’s mother regarding his health.

He, and everyone associated with Holyport, will now be keeping their fingers crossed that Dzimba receives positive news when he goes in for a scan later this week.

“I got told by Kickie’s mum a couple of days before the game against Ascot that he was good to start. So I made the decision and yeah, he was absolutely fine and got through the game with no issues at all,” said Lock.

“I would say he’s now 90 per cent there.

“He’s got a scan on Friday and if he gets through that, where they test everything, then hopefully he will be signed off.

“His smile is infectious, he’s great with the group, he’s so loved by everyone. To top it off, he’s a very talented footballer and we’re very lucky to have him.

“His journey over the last few months has been something no 18-year-old should have to go through or anyone for that matter.”