In January this year, Mamelodi Sundowns re-registered one of their foreign players after he recovered fully from a long-term injury.
Ricardo Nascimento had his contract with Sundowns frozen after picking up an injury during pre-season training. Subsequently, the centre-back returned to his home country to recover, while the Brazilians filled his foreign spot with Mauricio Affonso.
After the 33-year-old recovered in January this year, Masandawana re-registered the player, with Emiliano Tade's departure opening up a gap on their foreign quota.
Speaking to Sundowns' official website, Nascimento opened up about how far he has come since being sidelined due to injury for several months.
"I did my operation and rehab at home in Brazil. My recovery was great and I felt confident coming back that I could play at my best," he said.
"I have played 9 games this season, I feel good and happy – I missed football after 6 months on the sidelines. Training like this is good, but it's not the same thing. I miss the ball and the pitch. It's tough, I felt I was picking up steam and was was hungry to add value to the team.
"I have spent 4 years here, South Africa is like my second home. SA was a lovely surprise, I came from Europe and Portugal where I had played for over 6 years.
"When I initially got the offer, I was sceptical at first having not watched any PSL games but it's really been a lovely surprise.
"I think the league will kick off, but the most important thing right now is the Coronavirus, we need to all be safe, then get back on the pitch," he added.
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