Kaizer Chiefs winger Arthur Zwane will complete his six-month ban by the SA Football Association (Safa) on August 2 and could be on the line-up when Amakhosi open their title defense against Dynamos on August 7.

Zwane was handed a heavy two-year ban in February after traces of methyl-testosterone were found in his urine, but after a successful appeal the sentence was reduced to six months.

Throughout his suspension, Zwane - who maintained he was innocent - has attended all training sessions but could not play in any friendly matches as part of his punishment.

For most of the time he had cut a forlorn figure at matches and at training but on Thursday he appeared vibrant, as he prepared for the morning training session in Naturena. It was understandable why his mood had shot up. After all he will be back in action in less than 10 days.

"It has been tough but I will survive," he said. "It’s a pity I will be on the stands for the Charity Cup but it’s only a matter of time before I return to action. It doesn’t help to complain now."

Amakhosi coach Ted Dumitru said Zwane should have never served such a lengthy ban but nevertheless welcomed his return to action. "This is good news and not only for Arthur but for the supporters, who knew that it was unjust for the player to be suspended for such a lengthy period for a minor offense, if he did commit any offense.

"He is very eager and itching to return to action. From time to time he would ask me if he could play in any of the friendlies and this is another issue which is wrong - to exclude a player from participating in friendly matches because that is the basis of his preparation.

"It was difficult for him not to play and that also deprived him of bonuses and exposure. He should at least have been allowed to take part in training matches as he approaches the official reinstatement stage," said Dumitru.