Cape Town City were delighted on Wednesday to mark the return from long term injury of their longest serving player Thabo Nodada, who had not played since the end of March.
Nodada came on as a second half substitute in Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership for his first outing in eight months after suffering a serious knee injury.
The 29-year-old had not played since the March 30 fixture at home against Kaizer Chiefs, but his return was the source of much delight for coach Eric Tinkler.
“Thabo has been at the club since its inception. He was one of the first players to arrive, … actually the first player to arrive, you know,” explained Tinkler.
“So, he's been here since day one, you know. He's part and parcel of the culture of this football club, and in the changing room, he's one of the leaders, both on and off the field, and he's obviously loved by everyone.
“So to have him back now after long term injury, just boosts the squad. And he got his opportunity to come back in and give his contribution and build on that,” added the coach.
“You know, when I was here back in 2016 he wasn't a starting lineup player. It was the year after I left that he started to grow under Benni (McCarthy). And yeah, he's part of the furniture. I don't think he'll be going anywhere!”
City do have injury concerns over centre back Keanu Cupido and midfielder Jayden Rhodes who were both stretchered off on Wednesday.
They will be assessed before the team leaves for their next fixture at Lamontville Golden Arrows on Sunday.