Kobamelo Kodisang made his long-awaited debut for Braga on Monday evening, while Ayanda Patosi netted in the Asian Champions League for Foolad.
Kodisang, 23, is in the final three months of his contract with the club, who hold an option to extend his contract – but has seemingly been given a lifeline.
After scoring a stunning effort for the B team last week – with whom he’s been one of the standout players since his arrival in 2019, he received another call-up to the first team by head coach Carlos Carvalhal.
He received a 15-minute cameo from the bench in the 0-0 draw against Estoril, which would no doubt have been a boost to his confidence, having been an unused substitute for several occasions prior.
It marks a surprise turn of events for the player, with his agent Mike Makaab admitting to iDiski Times last week that his lack of opportunities looked to be a message that he will be released.
It remains to be seen what will transpire between now and the end of the season, with Kaizer Chiefs known admirers of the South African youth international.
🇿🇦 Kobamelo Kodisang made his long awaited debut for the Braga first-team.
After three years of consistency in the B team, he gets his breakthrough. 👏 pic.twitter.com/nfAkRuKkZc
— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) April 19, 2022
In Asia, Patosi netted the only goal of the game for Foolad over Ahal which was their second win in four games as they moved to the summit of Group C with eight points.
His side requires just one draw from their final group fixtures to advance to the knockout stage of the competition while Patosi has been integral to their recent exploits.
The former Cape Town City star has scored five goals and registered three assists in 21 games in all competitions this season.
⏰ FT | 🇹🇲 Ahal 0️⃣-1️⃣ @Foolad_club 🇮🇷
Ayanda Patosi's goal makes it a double victory for his side over Ahal as they remain unbeaten in Group C 🆙#ACL2022 | #AHAvFKI pic.twitter.com/7s6UpaopM8
— #ACL2022 (@TheAFCCL) April 18, 2022
Another former City talent Gift Links looks close to returning to full fitness after a two-month injury layoff in a rather stop-start campaign for AGF in the Danish Superliga.
The 23-year-old winger started and lasted 73 minutes for the club in their 2-1 defeat to SønderjyskE, this after his eight-minute cameo against Lorenzo Gordinho’s Viborg last week.
Gift Links (23) is stepping up well on his road to full fitness after his first start for AGF since February.
The 🇿🇦 #BafanaBafana winger lasted 73 minutes in the 2-1 defeat to SønderjyskE this afternoon.
He was substituted for former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.
Crazy. pic.twitter.com/AWbFXJFHBU
— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) April 18, 2022
Tashreeq Matthews (Varbergs/Sweden), Keanin Ayer (Sandefjord/Norway), Mihlali Mayambela (SC Farense/Portugal) and Sphephelo Sithole (Belenenses/Portugal) were all also in action for the respective sides this past weekend.
