Stellenbosch FC forward Shakeel April has expressed his joy after making his long-awaited debut for the Club.

April joined Stellenbosch from Cape Town City during the January transfer window, but had to wait 51 days before making his senior debut for the Club after overcoming a tough settling-in period and a minor spell on the sidelines.

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His long-awaited debut came this week when he featured as a 77th-minute substitute for Langelihle Phili during the Club’s 1-1 Betway Premiership draw against Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday.

“When I was injured, I took a lot of time to reflect on myself, and I think that helped me,” April said. “I felt good when I came back to training, and I was very happy when I came on to make my debut because I had waited a long time for that moment.

“It’s not a good feeling when you’re out of the squad for a long time, so to get my chance and play my first game against Sundowns was a big thing. It wasn’t my first time playing against them, so there wasn’t any pressure, but I was eager to play.

“The only thing was to try to help the team get at least a point, which we were able to do, and it gives me confidence that the coach believed in me. Now I just have to do my best to stay in the squad moving forward.”

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Upon making his debut, April became the 161st player to represent Stellenbosch. He could be in line to feature again this weekend when the Club travels to Polokwane to take on Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.