Even though he almost single handedly sent Kaizer Chiefs into the semifinals of the lucrative Coca-Cola Cup with his world class brace, Shaun Permall is still reluctant about his fitness level, let alone starting a match.

Ever since the former Ajax Cape Town striker sign for the Naturena-based outfit, he has been starting matches on the bench and only coming on later as a substitute. However, that could be attributed to the lack of match practise and his fitness level, which is still not at its best.

The youngster kicked off his season under-going treatment for a groin injury he sustained towards the end of last season. He was scheduled for an operation but that possibility was ruled out as Chiefs doctors felt with proper treatment, Permall should soon be up and running again.

"I feel a lot better than I did a couple of months ago and most importantly I am playing again, which is something I have been longing for ever since the season kicked off," said the soft-spoken striker.

"Somehow I am glad that I did not have to go through with the operation because I think that could have prolonged my stay in the sidelines. I am particularly glad that I have scored my first two goals for the club, which I think will help a lot as far as settling is concerned as I am planning to make my stay at Chiefs worthwhile."

Those with good memory should remember how Permall tormented Chiefs in last season’s Charity Cup Spectacular when he came on as a substitute and, with his first touch, scored a goal that would send Amakhosi crashing.

"I want to score more of those goals," said the slightly amused player. "I know that I can still do it even though I am still struggling with my fitness level. I even felt it in the match against Manning Rangers. Despite coming on as a substitute, I was a bit tired towards the end of the match, which can only mean that I still have a lot of work to do to reach my full potential.

"I know that with the help of the coaching staff and my teammates and with the support of the fans, family and friends, I will soon be at my best again.

"So at the moment, I am not afraid to say I am content with coming on as a substitute because I need the match practice and I also need to improve my fitness level before I can play for a full 90 minutes. But I can assure you that I won’t be long before I am well again."

On a positive note though, the Capetonian is enjoying myself in Johannesburg despite his family and most of friends being in the Mother City.

"I love Cape Town and will always do, that is my home. But I feel right at home here in Johannesburg, thanks to being warmly welcomed by my new family at Chiefs. I still visit Cape Town often but life here is really great and the people have been really supportive."