Amakhosi defender, Given Msimango, has three reasons for approaching Sunday’s Betway Premiership match against TS Galaxy at FNB stadium with a sense of anticipation.

Firstly, the 28-year-old defender was signed by Chiefs from The Rockets in 2023; secondly, he wants to continue his comeback after almost a year plagued by injury and thirdly, a win for Amakhosi will take them closer to their goal of finishing as high as possible in the league and qualifying for CAF competition next season.

“My injury lay-off was a very difficult period for me,” he tells www.kaizerchiefs.com. “It started around April last year. I battled with agrion injury for six or seven months. As soon as I recovered I played a few games and broke down a bit against Zamalek (in the CAF Confederation Cup) in a very important match, which was very frustrating. But I have been through my rehabilitation and I’m ready for regular football.”

His strong will and the support of those close to him saw him through, as he attests, “You have to accept the situation for what it is, that it is a difficult phase you are going through, so I had to come to terms with what was happening to me physically which helps me deal with it mentally. Support from family has been very important, as well as that of Club management, who have been very supportive throughout my ordeal. It has taken a lot of positivity and mental strength to battle through to get back to full fitness.”

Msimango put in an assured performance in Chiefs’ 3-1 win over Orbit College in their last outing and he’s looking to consolidate his place in the team’s rear guard.

“It was great to come back and get a feel for playing once again,” he says, “Obviously, having been out for a while, it took a bit of adjusting, but I am happy with the first step and to help the team get a vital win. So, I am just looking to build on that going into the game against TS Galaxy.”

While unquestionably committed beating them on Sunday, he maintains a healthy respect for TS Galaxy, as he elaborates, “Being my former team, I always look forward to playing TS Galaxy. They hold a lace in my heart; I was once the captain there and spent three good seasons there where I was given a platform to show what I can do. They play good football and I enjoy playing against teams that believe in a certain philosophy of how they want to play football. It’s a challenge for me personally because I have to prove myself and my ability against quality opposition.”

He also notes that The Rockets possess potential threats of their own and knows he needs to be at his best to overcome them.

“One thing I have picked up is that they have speedy wingers that like to take opponents on. They have the youngster (Selukelo) Mahlambi and a good striker in (Victor) Letsoalo. Defensively, as well, they don’t leak a lot of goals. They play a varied game so we are not underestimating them at all and expect a real test on Sunday,” he concludes.

The match at FNB stadium kicks off at 15:00 on Sunday, 12 April.