Stellenbosch FC have confirmed that Venezuelan winger Juan Carlos Ortíz is edging closer to making his long-awaited return to action following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The 29-year-old was sidelined after he suffered as ruptured ACL to his left knee in their 1-0 victory over rivals Cape Town City at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday, 21 May 2022.

Ortíz is yet to feature for Stellies this season after he underwent surgery and a subsequent period of intensive rehabilitation during his recovery procress.

Stellies coach Steve Barker has revealed that Ortiz is making great strides in his recovery and could soon be available for selection once he recovers and gains match fitness.

“Juan Ortíz, our Venezuelan, is back in training and he’s about three to four weeks away from perhaps playing in training matches for us,” Barker told his club’s official website.

“We are hoping that by, sort of the middle of March, he will be in contention to play in PSL matches, so he is probably about four or five weeks away from that. That is something we are looking forward to.”

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