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Mkhwanazi says he felt no ill effects of his long-term injury after
featuring in Bidvest Wits' TKO win over Kaizer Chiefs last weekend.
The central defender was sidelined for seven months with a cruciate knee ligament injury but returned to good effect, playing the entire 90 minutes in the 1-0 win over Amakhosi in a Telkom Knockout semi-final match.
Mkhwanazi, who came off the bench for just a minute or two against Baroka FC a couple of weeks back, admitted relief at surviving the full 90 minutes against Chiefs. He also said the last few months have been a bit of a roller-coaster ride.
"The healing period was tough," Mkhwanazi told The Star. "The fact that we were not doing well (earlier in the season) was affecting me somehow. I am happy that I am back and will try and help the team.
"I was actually told I would have to wait a bit longer before I could play," the former AmaTuks player continued.
"But after just five months I could feel that I can run, do training drills and a whole lot of other things. The date they had put down was November 9."
Mkhwanazi adds that after a nervy start against Amakhosi, he was relieved to come through with flying colours.
"Obviously there's excitement and then there's a bit of panic because you don't know whether you will get injured again or go through the same pain again," he explained.
"But since then I have felt sharp. I was also able to get a few friendlies under my belt and finished the games. But I know they are not as competitive as playing against Chiefs and Sundowns."
Wits next face Mamelodi Sundowns in an Absa Premiership clash at the Bidvest Stadium with the return of Mkhwanazi giving The Students a welcome boost to their league campaign.
Kick off is at 19:30.
