Injured Zuma back soon for United

Sibusiso Zuma will be back in action within "a week or two", according to Supersport United coach Gavin Hunt.

The 36-year-old former Bafana striker has been out of Premier League action since the beginning of the season. United signed Zuma from relegated Vasco, where he was a success last season.

Hunt said Zuma could not have returned at a better time as United chase their fourth league title in five seasons.

"I could say we are very blessed to have him back," said Hunt.

"We could still get a good season out of him because he is a fantastic professional."

Zuma had been expected to miss the first half of the season following a bad Achilles tendon injury, which Hunt described was the equivalent of a broken leg.

"What doctors say and what I say are two different things. Doctors give you the worst case scenario and I always give you a football scenario, so I will cut off a week from the period he was expected to still be out for," Hunt said.

Hunt believes he could even have Zuma on the bench for the team's next match, against Sundowns on December 16 before the Premier League break.

Zuma will hope to quickly rediscover the form he showed last season when on more than one occasion he inspired Vasco with his flashes of brilliance.

As he looks to reinforce his squad with two additional players on the wings, the coach hinted that Zuma could use his versatility and fill one of those berths.

Hunt was named coach of the month yesterday, which carries prize money of R10000. United had gone unbeaten in the league until they were thrashed 3-0 by Orlando Pirates on Saturday night.