SuperSport United defender Thabo Makhele is delighted about his return after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The promising Matsatsantsa defender featured for the reserve team in their 3-0 defeat against Free State Stars in the Multichoice Diski Challenge on Saturday.

The 21-year-old Makhele picked up an ankle injury while playing for the U23 national team in a friendly match against Brazil back in March.

He is delighted to be back to full fitness, though, and getting much-needed game time.

‘I’m happy to be back on the field of play. It has been a long time being on the sidelines because of an injury,’ Makhele told the SuperSport United website.

‘It was tough, but seeing that now I am progressing, I believe that everything will be okay. At the moment I’m working on my fitness and confidence.

‘Getting more game time is my main focus at the moment, but credit should go to our technical team members for the dedication and hard work they have put into my return.’

SuperSport travel to the FNB Stadium to take on Kaizer Chiefs in the Absa Premiership on Wednesday.

Kick-off has been scheduled for 19:30.