Stellenbosch midfielder Darrel Matsheke admits he felt his career was over after his exit from Kaizer Chiefs last season.
The 24-year-old midfielder came up through the ranks at Amakhosi, starting in the reserve side in 2020.
He spent time on loan with Uthongathi and Moroka Swallows before being deemed surplus to requirements.
Matsheke has since gone on to enjoy a phenomenal spell with Stellenbosch, culminating in their victory over TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout Cup on Saturday.
He was a second-half substitute in the match and ended up netting his side’s winning penalty for a 5-4 shootout win.
Matsheke said on iDiski Times: “I thought I would not play in the DStv Premiership again.
“To me and my family, this means a lot, and to the team as well, they have welcomed me. It’s amazing to see where I come from – the commitment to each player, the management, they have been supportive.”
Matsheke added: “I was supposed to sign with Casric Stars, but I got a call from Stellenbosch and that call changed my life I could say. I was like an hour away from signing [for] Casric Stars.
“It was very hard. At some point, I wanted to call it quits, but I’d like to thank my mum. She encouraged me not to give up, she kept on pushing me and said one call would come and it did.”