Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter was pleased to see Leonardo Castro back on the field but says the Colombian striker is not fully ready to return to the Amakhosi starting lineup.

The 32-year-old striker made his long-awaited return to football after playing the final four minutes during Amakhosi’s 1-0 win over Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium this past Sunday evening.

The Colombian spent five months on the sidelines with a long-term injury as his last game was against Wydad Casablanca in the Caf Champions League semi-finals first leg on Saturday, 19 June.

Castro continued his recovery in his homeland before returning to Amakhosi a week ago, rejoining his teammates for full training, but Baxter insists he’ll only give the striker a few minutes in each game until he returns to full fitness.

“Nice to see Leo Castro back on the field,” Baxter told Chiefs’ media department after the game.

“He’s not ready by a long way yet, but I’m hoping to give him 10 minutes, 10 minutes, 10 minutes [in upcoming games] and then see how quickly we can get him back.”

Kaizer Chiefs are now set to face AmaZulu in their next DStv Premiership encounter at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening, with kick-off set for 5:30pm.