Veteran defender returns to pitch after a year sidelined by injury

Mamelodi Sundowns veteran defender Mothobi Mvala gets emotional when he talks about his long journey to full recovery.

Mvala, who missed most of last season due to persistent injury, played his first 90 in more than a year when Sundowns beat Marumo Gallants 1-0 in their Carling Knockout Cup match during the week.

This season he made three appearances in all competitions, and he is happy to finally be back on the pitch after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

His other appearances were in the league against Siwelele and Richards Bay, where coach Miguel Cardoso introduced him as a substitute.

It has been a difficult many months sitting on the sidelines, and he thanked his family support structure, teammates, coaches and the Sundowns management for their support.

It feels great to be back on the field; this is something I have been waiting for for a long time

—  Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala

“It was not an easy journey, and it was psychologically challenging,” he said as the Brazilians prepared to take on Durban City in their Betway Premiership match at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Saturday night (8.15pm).

“My teammates and the technical staff really helped me. I just kept on pushing myself in the gym, following the recovery programme and having a positive mind with the hope that I will be back on the field again and it has happened.

“It was not an easy journey, but it is part of football, and these things happen. I don’t know how I made it, and I thank God and the people at the club who helped me.

“Looking at things that I went through, I get emotional when I talk about it.”

Mvala said nothing beats the feeling of being back on the field and doing what he loves.

“It feels great to be back on the field; this is something I have been waiting for for a long time. The coach has given me the opportunity to play again, and I grabbed it with both hands.”

They will be motivated that they have qualified for the group stages of the Confederations Cup

—  Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala

In his 90 minutes, Mvala contributed to Ricardo Goss’ clean sheet, where he played alongside Malibongwe Khoza at central defence.

“I am happy that the team did well and we got three points and a clean sheet in our last Marumo Gallants game. It is good to be back on the field and being with the guys; that is what gives me joy, and I am grateful.

“It was tough, but as the game progressed, I got my confidence back, and guys like Malibongwe Khoza helped me a lot because he is a good leader.”

Sundowns return to league action against Durban City, and he is expecting a competitive outing against coach Eric Tinkler’s charges.

“It is going to be a tough game; they are a team that have guys with experience like Gaston Sirino and Haashim Domingo.

“It is not going to be an easy game, and they will be motivated that they have qualified for the group stages of the Confederations Cup.”