Bhana told to 'take things easy’

Press, 7 March 1978, Page 32

Bhana told to 'take things easy’

By

KEVIN TUTTY

Balvant Bhana, one of New Zealand’s most promising young hockey players, may be forced to spend this winter on the sideline because of a nagging leg injury. Bhana has been troubled by torn tendons at the top of his thigh since the New Zealand Invitation team played Australia in Wanganui last October. Over the summer Bhana

has had treatment on the leg but has been told by his doctor “to take things easy” at least for the start of the season.

Although the injury could prevent Bhana from playing at all this season, he is hopeful this will not be the case. He has to be careful not to aggravate the leg, because it would almost certainly put him out for the season.

A New Zealand squad will be named later in the year and Bhana hopes he will be fit enough to be considered for it. There is little doubt

he will make the squad if he is fit.

When fit to play club hockey, Bhana will appear in new colours. He has tendered his resignation to the Linwood United club, for which he has played since leaving school, and will join Harewood. Bhana said he had been thinking of moving for some time. The club was not attracting young players and Bhana, at the age of 20, and with his own career still developing, has had to conduct senior training in the past.