Watching the team from the stands was unbearable - Thabani Zuke

In December Zuke suffered a career-threatening knee injury in a match against Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium which ruled him out for the rest of the season and affected him mentally.

Speaking to SABC Sport during the KZN Premiers' Cup launch. The defender hails the club boss Mato Madlala and coaches for saving him, during a difficult time. A period that made him see life in a different perceptive.

"It has been a very tough period in my career, mentally it was painful and hard. Watching the team from the stands was unbearable. I'm slowly returning to my best," Zuke told SABC Sport.

"This period taught me that anything can happen in football, every opportunity counts because nothing is guaranteed," he added.

"I would like to thank the Chairlady and the coaches; they have been very supportive. Calling me every day to encourage me, I will always be grateful to them." 

Zuke wants to use his second chance to return to the national team.

"My target is to get back to the field and return to Bafana Bafana, I want to play the African Cup of Nations.”