Mjoka plans to make a triumphant return

He is a wonderful kid. He is so easy to work with and is always eager to learn.

It’s really unfortunate that the accident happened when it did, but he has such a positive mindset and I’m pretty sure he’ll be back with a big bang – there is no doubt in my mind.

These were the kind words shared by Riding Master, Robert Moore, when discussing apprentice jockey Mpumelelo Mjoka’s highly anticipated return to competitive race riding.

The 22-year-old was riding at the top of his game – even winning a race in France – when a freak accident in August last year resulted in a career-threatening injury that le him with a badly dislocated knee, damaged nerves and torn ligaments.

The accident happened when he fell after coping off his mount during training at Randjesfontein and hit a steel barrier rail.

I caught up with the well-spoken young man from KwaZulu-Natal and the great news, he confirmed, is that following four successful operations, not only has the external fixator been removed from his knee but he is no longer in pain, can walk perfectly and has found his way back at the South African Jockey Academy in his hometown – working toward a possible return to the sport.

“The knee is 100% now and recovery has been going great,” he assured.

“I’m not in any pain. I have actually been working out at the Academy. There is no set date as to when I’ll be back riding but it will probably be in a month or two – I’m hopeful.”

Many feared Mjoka would never ride again and although he is probably the most positive youngster in the business, even he admits the thought crossed his mind a few times, saying:

“It honestly did cross my mind, especially when your mind tricks you into believing there is no progress, but I am seeing the progress now and getting back is my main focus.

“That is where my mind is at.”

He finished second behind Lyle Hewitson in the 2016-17 National Apprentice Jockeys’ Championship and although he would have loved to add that title to his Curriculum Vitae he reckons it won’t be possible now because by the time he gets back on the saddle he may be a fully-fledged jockey.

To many this would be a daunting task but the step up in division ex-cites Mjoka more than it scares him.“There is no pressure.

I think I’ll ride my first few meetings as an apprentice, they will monitor my riding and we’ll see where it goes from there.

“I will work harder than ever before so I can get support from both trainers and owners, build relationships and then think about chasing titles and Grade 1s,” said the motivated youngster who couldn’t help but thank the South African Jockey Academy for all that they’ve done for him. “I can’t thank them enough.

Usually when times are tough there’s no one there for you but it has been the total opposite for me. The Academy has been there with me all the way, from day one.

“Even as I recover, I’m using the Academy to bring me back to best. I gym there and ride the mechanical horse to stay fit. I’m really grateful to them for all the help.”

A conversation with this young man highlights that he is wise beyond his years and that he misses the game and the game misses him.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.