Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says it’s a massive boost to have Themba Zwane back fit and available for selection.
The 35-year-old talisman has been sidelined for the majority of the season after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon.
He played 20 minutes of the goalless CAF Champions League semi-final first leg draw with Al Ahly at the weekend for his first appearance since October for Mamelodi Sundowns.
He is still someway off from making a start, but Cardoso praised the club’s medical department for getting the important player back on the pitch.
Cardoso said in the Citizen: “Themba has come from a long period where he didn’t play.
“The medical department did a wonderful job to recover him. For sure he is not ready to play a full match. He will struggle on the pitch and it will not put him in the condition to perform (going forward).
“I had no problem today putting him in where he could bring something. When the game is in one half of the pitch it is easier for him. This kind of exposition and development can help us more and more.
“I am happy about the fact that he came back, but mostly because he is a human who has struggled for a long period (out of the game).”