We caught up with midfielder Dakarai Mafico to reflect on the progress he has made so far this season.
The midfielder has been training with the First Team and has gained valuable experience under Brian Barry-Murphy, as well as learning from the experienced players in the squad.
“I think it’s been a good campaign for me for me so far,” Dakarai began. “It’s been a different experience to not play as many games, but I’ve been learning a lot in First Team training and I’ve been enjoying it.
“It’s key to learn from the experienced players that we have and they’re always keen to help out. I feel like I’m improving every day.
“For me personally, Ryan Wintle has been really helping me because we play in similar positions. He’s one of the main players that is always encouraging me and giving me tips.”
Dakarai made his First Team debut in a League One fixture against Rotherham United earlier this season.
Reflecting on the experience, he continued: “It was exciting because I found out on the day. I was nervous to begin with, but I felt like I grew into the game. It didn’t go exactly to plan, but I’m grateful for the experience.
“I was feeling quite down about myself, but seeing the support especially from The Canton Stand really helped; the fans clearly understood the situation with me being on a yellow card.
"My teammates were speaking to me after the game and throughout the week saying that it wasn’t anything to do with my performance, it was just the yellow card, which was uplifting."
Just ten days later, Dakarai returned to City's starting lineup for a Carabao Cup fixture against Cheltenham Town and excelled in midfield, highlighting his resilience.
“For me, it was just about showing everyone that I am good enough to play and I’m with the First Team for a reason," he added.
"With all the support that Brian, the coaches, my teammates and the fans showed me, it helped me to step out onto the pitch and perform in the way that I know I can play. I was grateful that I was able to do that.
“Your debut not going to plan is something that can only happen once, but the experience has definitely made me more resilient.
"I know that there will be times of disappointment, but now I’ve shown myself that I can bounce back, it will make things a lot easier for me.
"My mental strength has definitely improved in a short space of time and I’m grateful that I’ve had this experience so early in my career."
As well as Dakarai's First Team opportunities, his teammates at age-grade level have also made an impression, with Dylan Lawlor and Ronan Kpakio producing consistently high performances.
Commenting on his teammates, he told us: “I’m extremely proud of them both. I’ve known them since I was around seven years old, so seeing them flourish inspires me and everyone else in the Academy to do the same.
"They’re both flying, both made their debuts for Wales this month and they’re fully deserving of the plaudits they’re getting.
“The time has never been more than now for our Academy. With the manager coming in, he’s shown his clear interest in the young players and the spotlight is there.
"It motivates the whole Academy to work even harder to reach the First Team and being able to have that chance to play in front of the fans."
The Bluebirds begin their campaign in the Vertu Trophy on Tuesday evening, going head-to-head with Exeter City.
Barry-Murphy's side have been drawn into a group with the Grecians, along with Newport County and Arsenal U21s.
“We’ll take the competition seriously, like we do in every game," Dakarai said. "It could be an opportunity for young players to play and showcase themselves. It’ll be good for the fans as well to see the talent that is coming through that they may not already have seen this season.
“We’ll be looking to go as far into the tournament as possible. It may be an experience for some young players that we have not had previously, especially with the pressure of going away from home. We believe that we have the quality to have a positive performance and result."