Cardoso ready for Chiefs debut

Daniel Cardoso should make his long-awaited debut for Kaizer Chiefs soon.

The defender, signed from Free State Stars at the beginning of the season, revealed yesterday he had fully recovered from injury and should soon be eligible for selection.

"I went through all the fitness tests without any struggle or pain," Cardoso told the Chiefs website.

"I passed my fitness test and I am happy about that."

Cardoso, who was signed with a view to replacing Tefu Mashamaite in the heart of the Amakhosi defence, has been on the sidelines since arriving in Naturena despite playing 22 games for Ea Lla Koto last season.

"I didn't expect it would take such a long time to heal," he said of his injury, which Chiefs described as "a stress fracture in his shin bone".

"It is always difficult to watch your team mates going through their paces and playing matches, while you can't participate."

Cardoso returned to full training at the start of November.

"I have a strong will and am self-motivated," he said.

Cardoso added his parents had been his biggest motivation.

"My parents keep me on my toes."

Cardoso has played in two friendlies, against the University of Pretoria and, last week, against National First Division side Baroka.

The 27-year-old's preferred position is at centre-back, but he's versatile: "I am able to play anywhere on the field. I really feel great to be back and being able to do what I love, to play soccer."