OPINION: Momo was worth his weight and more
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THE Albury-Wodonga Bandits have parted ways with championship-winning centre Mohamed “Momo” Ntumba — the Border club has released the injured pivot.
Ntumba has clearly been hampered in recent weeks by a recurrence of severe knee soreness, a lingering side effect of his season-ending surgery last year.
It is understood his off-season injury rehabilitation program over-strengthened his left quadriceps muscle, resulting in a continual strain on his kneecap which has caused intense pain and pressure.
The 201-centimetre centre reached the low point of his SEABL season on Saturday night, recording a career-low one point and two rebounds — in his 50th game for the club — in the 107-91 defeat to the Ballarat Miners at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre.
But even before that, Ntumba had struggled.
He was averaging just 10.7 points and 8.2 rebounds and lacked the intimidating presence that had previously given opponents pause.
“It’s so disappointing for this to happen, to have to leave the team again so early."
- MOMO NTUMBA
A philosophical Ntumba said he was disappointed to have to ask for a release but felt it was in the best interests of both the team and his long-term playing future.
“It’s a sad story but that’s life,” Ntumba said.
“The prognosis was not good so this is all about getting the knee right.
“The team gave me time to make the decision — I wasn’t happy within myself and I had to be honest about it.
“It’s so disappointing for this to happen, to have to leave the team again so early.
“This way, they can get someone in to help the club.”
Coach Brad Chalmers said the Bandits would never forget Ntumba’s contributions, especially his pivotal role in a fairytale 2012 SEABL conference and overall titles.
“It’s obviously really tough to see him go,” Chalmers said.
“An innocuous collision has derailed a really good start to his career with us. His rehab program was off-kilter, strengthening different parts of his knee.
“He’s made the best decision to pull the pin and look after himself.
“It impacted us greatly.
“We’ve been basically playing with one import.
“When he’s fit, he’s one of the most dominating players in this league.
“That he’s got our best interests at heart says a lot about him.”
Chalmers said the Bandits were close to signing an athletic forward, as opposed to a power player like Ntumba.
The replacement player is expected to come from US college ranks, most likely a Division II school, and be here for the Bandits’ next match — at home against Geelong on Saturday week.