Camille Borneo, captain of the National U-17 women’s football team, has undergone surgery to correct an injury to her anterior cruciate ligament.
Borneo was ruled out of the Fifa U-17 Women’s World Cup in September after sustaining the injury. The 17-year-old star was injured during a tour of Brazil in July but is now upbeat over the possibility of returning to her squad.
“It was devastating being ruled out off the squad, I worked so hard to make the team. It was my dream to play in a World Cup on home soil. But the past is the past and I can only look toward the future. My goal is to return to the squad and I plan to do so soon.
My team supported me all the way and I know I will get a chance to represent my country once again and do them proud.” Borneo underwent the surgery on December 10, at the Southern Medical Centre and has already started a rehabilitation programme.
The T&T Football Federation covered all costs associated with her surgery and rehabilitation exercises. Head coach of the team, Even Pellerud described Borneo’s possible return as “promising.” “Camille is a gifted player. I look forward to seeing her return to the squad.
“It was disappointing not having her during the World Cup but this team has a bright future and I’m confident she will continue to be one of the stars, as we prepare for other major tournaments including the U-20 Women’s World Cup.”
Doctors anticipate Borneo will have to undergo a six-month rehabilitation before resuming training. Team manager, Jinelle James said Borneo teammates are all excited over her return. “This team is like a family. For over one year we trained together, we all shared one common goal.
“These girls are like my daughters and I feel as much joy as Camille’s biological parents over the success of the surgery... We are all excited.”