Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs central defender Daniel Cardoso says he is delighted to have established himself as a starter and hopes to continue improving as a player. 

The 29-year-old has made 17 starts in 2017/18 after making just 15 over the course of his previous two seasons.

It appears coach Steve Komphela decided to make a change from the long standing pairing of Eric Mathoho and Lorenzo Gordinho at the beginning of the campaign. 

Gordinho has been loaned out to Bloemfontein Celtic whereas Mathoho is a regular feature on the bench. In addition, Siyabonga Ngezana and Teenage Hadebe have been Cardoso's regular partners as part of a back three.

Speaking about the 0-0 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday night, he told SuperSport: "Our game plan was me covering the other two centre-backs because they always wanted to play it around the back and sides and I thought I had done our job well especially with the other centre-backs covering when I came in. 

"(It was a) Great atmosphere. I wish every game can be like this in the PSL. I hope it continues. I am glad."

The Johannesburg-born star also expressed gratitude about being given a chance to shine and hoped his progress would continue, saying: "I am glad I got the chance in the beginning of the season and I’m glad the coaching staff and management give me a chance so I just want to keep growing as a player."

Amakhosi who remain fourth in the Absa Premiership standings next face a resurgent Bidvest Wits in a league clash at the Bidvest Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 18:00.