Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki has opened up about a frustrating and lonely time on the sidelines having recently recovered from a long term injury.
Perhaps one of the toughest mental and physical tests for a professional footballer is a spell on the sidelines due to injuries. Unfortunately, football is a contact sport and rarely any player is spared from injuries.
READ | Nedbank Cup quarter-final fixtures revealed
For Xoki, the setback was a knee injury suffered in training in May 2024 and it had kept him out of action for over seven months. The 29-year-old returned to competitive football in December and has been gradually climbing up to full fitness.
"I want to say a big kudos to them (supporters) and a big thank you to Amabhakaniya," Xoki told journalists at the Nedbank Cup draw event last week, when asked about the support he has received on his return.
"It means a lot to us players to get that type of support because it pushes you through in tough times.
"When you are injured, you stay on the sidelines for a long time. You kind of feel left out but with that type of reception and that type of support that they give us, it makes us give our best when we get the chance to play.
ALSO READ | Kaizer Motaung Jr: The player asked to leave...
"I hope they continue to do so, we have some guys who are still out injured who need that the same type of supporter.
"I was happy when I saw that they gave the same type of love to Bandile Shandu who has been out for a year and for him to come back and still feel appreciated, it means a lot to the players."
Pirates still have some more injury concerns in the form Thabiso Sesane, Thalente Mbatha, Zakhele Lepasa and Olisa Ndah, all of whom have missed out on a significant amount of action due to injuries.