Warren Bishop © Backpagepix

Warren Bishop is optimistic of a bright future since his return to the club where it all started for him – the University of Pretoria.

Bishop featured as a promising midfielder-cum-defender for the Tuks class of the mid 2000’s, which featured also featured the likes of Bongani Khumalo and George Maluleka.

His solid performances for the University side, then playing in the First Division, saw him moving to the Absa Premiership, first with AmaZulu and then Santos.

But Bishop struggled for regular game-time at the two coastal outfits and it became a frustrating couple of years for the 29-year-old Johannesburg-born player.

But he now has a new lease on life and is determined to make the most of his return to Tshwane.

“Its great to be back, in familiar surroundings, with a setup I know, a coaching team I know. I’m grateful that they value me here – I felt I was not valued at my previous clubs. “I was signed, but then never really got a chance to play. To feel valued by the coaching staff is a confidence booster and its great to be playing again.”

Bishop started at right back in AmaTuks’ first ever foray into the Absa Premiership; a 1-1 draw with Maritzburg United at the Absa Tuks Stadium on Sunday.

Keen to be back in the thick of things, Bishop was as committed as ever, probably too much so in the eyes of the Maritzburg contingent. But he explained there was no malicious intent on his part.

“I apologised after the tackle and the player (Delron Buckley) accepted it. I think things were over-exaggerated after their bench reacted the way they did. Fortunately the referee used common sense and gave me only a yellow card.

“It was good for me to be back on the pitch and obviously I was keen to make an impression. We’re disappointed to have conceded a late goal, which we felt was soft.

“We would liked to have played a bit more – we are a footballing side, but unfortunately the pitch was a bit bumpy – its being worked on, but still needs some attention. But we’re a fit and physical team and we will make life difficult for any visiting team – we need to make sure the Absa Tuks Stadium becomes our fortress,” he added.