“I went through all the fitness tests without any struggle or pain,” reveals a cheerful Daniel Cardoso. The Kaizer Chiefs squad underwent a series of fitness tests earlier this week.

“I passed my fitness test and I am happy about that.” Due to injury, Cardoso has been on the sidelines since arriving at the Village as a new signing from Free State Stars at the start of the 2015/16 Absa Premiership season.

“I didn’t expect that it would take such a long time to heal,” reflects Cardoso about the stress fracture in his shin bone. “It is always difficult to watch your teammates going through their paces and play matches, while you can’t participate.”

Cardoso returned to full training at the start of November.

“I have a strong will and am self-motivated,” comments Cardoso about his return to training. “From the start my teammates made me feel welcome to be back on the training pitch.

“They are not hard on me, as yet…” the defender adds with a smile.

Cardoso stresses that his parents have been his biggest motivation, although some friends also helped him through the last six months.

“My parents keep me on my toes,” he says.

Since returning to full fitness, Cardoso has participated in two friendlies, against the University of Pretoria and, last week, against First Division side Baroka FC.

The 27-year-old’s preferred position is at centre-back, but he’s versatile: “I am able to play anywhere in the field. I really feel great to be back and being able to do what I love, to play soccer.”

Meanwhile, the club’s physiotherapist David Milner has reported that goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is still undergoing rehabilitation.

Chiefs’ next match is the sold-out Telkom Knockout final against Mamelodi Sundowns on Reconciliation Day, 16 December, at Moses Mabhida Stadium (kick-off is at 18:00).