Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Matlou has provided an honest assessment of his time with the club, including the challenges he has faced in that period.
Matlou has been limited to just 13 appearances so far this season, but he played 14 minutes in a goalless draw against Chippa United and was an unused substitute in a 2-1 defeat to Marumo Gallants.
He was an unused substitute in the Saturday's league Soweto Derby loss by the same scoreline to rivals Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium.
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He had missed a chunk of the season due to a series of injuries that kept him out of action for around nine months.
Speaking to media last week, the skilful player admitted his time at Naturena has been difficult.
"I'm happy to be back, it's been a difficult time for me. I would say it was a bit hard for me to heal, but glad that I am fully recovered and fully fit," Matlou said.
"I am ready, I am fit. I have been struggling with injuries, but I am fully recovered now. I am back on the field, I am fit and ready to play any game.
"It was a hard journey for me because it had been almost a year without doing what I love. So, going to training, seeing your teammates going to the field but you are going the other way, you are going to the gym, you can imagine how I was feeling.
"Imagine going every day to training, but you are not taking any part in it. It was a bit hard for me, but I have learned during the journey, and I'm also happy to be back," he added, before expressing gratitude to the club amidst talk about his future.
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"Of course, you would be a bit worried because you don't know where your future is. So, I had to wait for the club to make the decision. I'm grateful that they believed in me and they gave me another opportunity to stay."
Chiefs will meet Pirates seeking revenge in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
