Stellenbosch FC forward Shakeel April has admitted that he was overcome with joy after making his long-awaited debut for the Cape Winelands outfit.
April, 20, joined Stellies during the January transfer window, but had to bite his time on the side-lines before making his senior debut.
The Amajita marksman was a 77th-minute introduction, coming on for Langelihle Phili, as they rallied back to claim a hard-fought 1-1 Betway Premiership draw against Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday.
The Citizens academy product could not hide his excitement after finally making his debut under the tutelage of astute coach Gavin Hunt .
“When I was injured, I took a lot of time to reflect on myself, and I think that helped me,” he told the Stellies website.
“I felt good when I came back to training, and I was very happy when I came on to make my debut because I had waited a long time for that moment.
“It’s not a good feeling when you’re out of the squad for a long time, so to get my chance and play my first game against Sundowns was a big thing. It wasn’t my first time playing against them, so there wasn’t any pressure, but I was eager to play.
“The only thing was to try to help the team get at least a point, which we were able to do, and it gives me confidence that the coach believed in me. Now I just have to do my best to stay in the squad moving forward.”
Against Masandawana, Tsiki Ntsabeleng had fired home the game’s opening goal in the first period and it took a late strike from Tshegofatso Mabasa’s penalty to earn Stellies a credible point on the road.
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