Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Matlou could not contain his tears after making a full return to football having been sidelined for nine months.
Matlou was part of six changes made by assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef for their Nedbank Cup last 32 tie against minnows Free Agents FC, starting alongside Yusuf Maart in the middle of the park.
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The Glamour Boys showed their superior class as they recorded a rampant 4-0 win to seal progress into the last 16. Pule Mmodi bagged a first-half brace before Inacio Miguel and Ranga Chivaviro added their names on the scoresheet in the second period.
Speaking to SuperSport TV upon receiving his Man of the Match award, an emotional Matlou admitted that his journey has been a difficult one.
“It’s a bit emotional for me. It’s really been a hard journey for me,” he said.
“It’s not easy to be out of football for nine months, so I’m grateful to my medical team and to the coach for believing in me.
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“It wasn’t easy for me, but I thank God that he gave me strength and here I am today playing. And thanks to my teammates for always helping me to be the George that I know.”