The veteran midfielder who made his debut for the Glamour Boys in 1994 was not part of the team when the players reported for the camp on June, 9 and missed both the Vodacom Challenge and Telkom Charity Tournament. This created speculation that the player has quit football.

A delighted ‘Tsikitsiki’ as the player is affectionately known in football circles speaking to kaizerchiefs.com after the two hour training session in Naturena this morning said he has put that behind him and is glad to be back at training.

“It feels good to be back in the team, training with the guys following the whole confusion about me quitting the game.

The guys are also happy that I have returned to training after spending time training on my own. There were lot of things that were said but I am back here to do what I love playing football.

I watched the guys during the Vodacom Challenge and Telkom Charity Tournament. I think they matched Manchester United pound for pound in Cape Town. They did well considering the calibre of the team they were up against. In the game against Orlando Pirates they gave everything to proceed in the final. In overall, the guys have done well and I know I will have to fight for my position in the team” he said.

Thabo said it might take a while for him to regain his full match fitness, “I was training very hard on my own but it is not the same when you training with the team. It is going to take a while for me to be back in shape. I am looking forward to the season. Playing for Kaizer Chiefs is an honour and I think for me the love for this game is the reason why I am still determined to fight for a place in this talented team. The competition will be tough especially with the new players who have joined us” he said.

Head Coach, Muhsin Ertugral welcomed the return of Thabo Mooki, “Thabo is currently the longest serving player in the team having served the team for many years. He brings the experience that we need in what is a very young team. I expect him to do what Arthur Zwane is doing, instilling the Kaizer Chiefs culture to the next generation.”