Bongani Khumalo says he is grateful to Colchester United for giving him the chance to get his career back on track.

And the South Africa international admits he would love to repay them by helping them avoid relegation on the final day.

Khumalo has made nine appearances since moving to the U’s and has played a big part in their League One survival battle.

It is his first spell of competitive football since he suffered a serious knee injury playing for South Africa in a friendly against Brazil in March, 2014.

Khumalo will line up against one of his former clubs when the U’s host Preston North End in a crucial match tomorrow.

It will be the 28-year-old’s final game for Colchester, with his loan from Tottenham Hotspur ending after this weekend.

And the powerful centre-back says he would love to sign off in style - and help the beat the drop.

Khumalo said: “I’ve enjoyed myself at Colchester.

“I’ve been out for a very long time with my knee and it was hard to convince people that you’re fit and strong.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have come here and hopefully I’ve shown that I’ve recovered, both mentally and physically.

“More than ever, I think I’ve been enjoying my football.

“It feels like I’ve been given a second chance and I want to work even harder and better than before.”

Khumalo has considerable experience in the game, having played in South Africa, Greece and England and boasts 42 international caps.

But despite his success in the game, the defender says he feels he has progressed as a player while at the U’s.

“I’ve learnt from the experiences I’ve had at Colchester,” said Khumalo, who played six games on loan at Preston in the 2010-11 season.

“You never stop learning, even as an experienced player.

“You can’t take anything for granted and the moment you think you know it all is when the problems begin.

“You need to remain humble and respect the game.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’ve tried to do the best I can.”