AmaZulu have been handed a major boost in their fight against relegation with the return of midfielder Charlie Hlalele and striker Andre de Jong.

The pair have been sidelined for months, but are now ready to return once the campaign resumes after the suspension of the league due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Hlalele has been out of action for nine months and has not featured for the club this season after suffering a tendon injury in the weeks leading up to the start of the 2019-20 campaign.

‘I am very happy to be back in training, it’s been nine months since I last played any football, which was really frustrating for me,’ Hlalele told his club’s website.

‘I am really thankful for the help that I have been getting from the team, I can’t wait to compete for a spot in the starting lineup as well and help the team.’

Meanwhile, De Jong has been on the sidelines for four months after fracturing his foot during the international break back in November.

‘It feels really good to be back among the boys, It was about 15 weeks being out of action, it’s been a bit of a frustration, but I’m really pleased with my progress, nonetheless,’ De Jong said.

‘For the first ten weeks there wasn’t much that I could do, I just had to keep my weight up but since then it’s been proper receptive work.

‘It’s been hard work, working with our physio, Ryan, and our strength and conditioning coach, Zunaid, to get back to full fitness, so I’m very thankful to them all.’