Matuka played a few early season games but was at times inconsistent and found himself out of the starting line-up as coach Ian Palmer used several other options at left-back.

The former NFD player accepts that he is still on a learning curve and kept positive during his time out of the team.

“Its going well at the moment – I am finding form and consistency after coming back into the team. Being on the sidelines was frustrating, but that is part of football.

“I could only keep my head up and continue to work hard so that when my chance did come, I was ready to take it,” he told the MUFC website.

The 0-0 draw with AmaKhosi could well have been the turning point in Matuka’s career as he put in a solid display.

“The Chiefs game has definitely been the highlight of my season so far. I thought I did well, I felt comfortable and as the game went on I grew in confidence. It was also good for the defence as a whole to keep a clean sheet.”

Indeed, the result could prove to be a key one for the entire team.

“We needed to get back to getting some points on the board after the previous losses, so it was an important result, even if we didn’t get the win.

“Now I’m looking forward to the next game – against Sundowns, which is on a special day for me – my birthday! So hopefully I can be fit and ready to go for that game and have a good showing.

“It will be tough because they are packed with experienced international players.

“But the coach has assembled a very good squad here at Maritzburg. Like he says to us, we are good enough to beat any team in the league.

“We have young blood who are hungry, and we also have some good experience. We have everything we need to be a successful team and do well this season."