Bidvest Wits defender, Buhle Mkhwanazi, was tempted to go against doctor's orders and rush his knee rehabilitation so he could come to the rescue of his struggling teammates earlier in the season.

Mkhwanazi watched from the sidelines as Wits began their Absa Premiership title in horrendous fashion with five losses, two draws and two wins.

The 27-year-old was out of action for six months after suffering a torn ligament in his knee, back in May in their 1-0 win against Mamelodi Sundowns.

"It was tough to watch the team struggling from the sidelines and there was nothing I could do," Mkhwanazi told Sowetan.

"Sometimes it can affect the recovery progress because you can rush to get back to help the team. It was frustrating because I could not do my job. But I am pleased I am at a professional club and my healing process went well."

The 1-0 win against Kaizer Chiefs in the Telkom Knockout semifinal on Saturday was his first full game since his recovery.

Tonight (7.30pm) at the Bidvest Stadium, Mkhwanazi will go up against the same team he got injured against, Sundowns, who have also been inconsistent this season.

Wits are second from bottom on the table with eight points from nine games.

The former Sundowns and AmaTuks tough tackler feels he has come back from injury at the right time.

"As a player there is no better motivation than playing against Chiefs and Sundowns. I plan to take my momentum into the game against Sundowns. It was against Sundowns that I got injured so I am excited to be up against them again."

Wits need a string of positive results to get their campaign back on track, Mkhwanazi observed.

"All the teams have been dropping points. If we can get two straight wins then we will be right back in the top eight," he said.