Less than 48 hours before the final game of the regular season, Laval University Rouge et Or received excellent news that comes at just the right time as the offense is not hitting its desired pace.
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Ball carrier Kalenga Muganda, who suffered a concussion in training camp and has been sidelined since the start of the season, will return to school on Sunday while the University of Sherbrooke’s Vert & Or will be at PEPS.
“My absence was long and my return to the game feels good,” he said. I’ve never been as committed to training as I was this week. I give my best to every opportunity that comes my way.”
Was Kalanga at any point afraid he would have to forfeit the entire 2023 season? “It’s certain that I asked myself questions,” he said. The older you get, the more you realize that life is difficult. You can fall seven times, but get up eight times.”
“I’m trying to stay positive and take it day by day, chasing Kalenga, who shined in the Mitchell Cup last November with a sparkling performance of 173 yards on 24 carries in a 27-20 win over the Mustangs of Western.” It’s a great reward to be able to play.”
Trust in your own resources
Despite his long inactivity, the former standard bearer of the Blizzard du Séminaire Saint-François and the Spartiates du Vieux-Montréal is confident he can leave his mark. “There are always questions, but I can always make a difference when I play my best football. I have confidence in myself and will do my best. Whether through a race or a block, I want to contribute to the team’s success. I worked hard to get back into the game and that first game was a pleasure. I want to work and have fun.”
Muganda enjoyed his first touches in training. “When I had my first contact, it felt good to see that I was still standing,” he said. I’m a physical guy and that’s an important aspect of my game. It’s fun getting to know the guys. We have a good group of porters and we help each other.”
His happy teammates
His teammates, especially Kevin Mital, who mentioned Muganda’s possible return several times in interviews, are very happy, as are the coaches.
How will the running back react after a long absence? “I would be more worried if Kalenga was a freshman,” offensive coordinator Justin Éthier said. He’ll be able to adapt pretty quickly. It’s not easy being away for so long, but it’s the reality. You don’t look back.”
If Mital was hoping for his teammate’s return, Shawn Valentine said he was looking forward to working with Muganda after playing his first career game against the McGill Redbirds.
Valentine sat out the last three games due to a concussion, was cleared by the medical team and is training at full capacity this week.
In addition to Muganda, the Rouge et Or can also count on the return of star tackle Jean-William Rouleau, who missed the last meeting against the University of Montreal Carabins.