Mamelodi Sundowns veteran defender Mothobi Mvala has spoken about his long and challenging journey to full recovery. Mvala missed most of last season due to persistent injury but made a successful return to the pitch, playing his first 90 minutes in over a year in Sundowns' 1-0 win against Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup. This season, he has made three appearances in all competitions, with his other appearances being in the league against Siwelele and Richards Bay.
Mvala expressed his gratitude to his family, teammates, coaches, and the Sundowns management for their support during his rehabilitation. He described the experience as psychologically challenging but credited his teammates and technical staff for helping him stay motivated. Mvala followed a strict recovery program and maintained a positive mindset, which ultimately enabled him to make a successful comeback to the sport.
The defender revealed that it was not an easy journey, but he is thankful to have made it back to the field. Mvala attributed his recovery to the support of his team and the club, saying he does not know how he made it through without them. He became emotional when discussing his experience, highlighting the difficulties he faced during his rehabilitation.
Mvala emphasized that nothing beats the feeling of being back on the field and doing what he loves. He expressed his happiness at being given the opportunity to play again by coach Miguel Cardoso and grabbing it with both hands. In his 90 minutes of play, Mvala contributed to a clean sheet alongside Malibongwe Khoza in central defense.
Sundowns return to league action against Durban City, and Mvala is expecting a competitive outing. He acknowledged that Durban City has experienced players like Gaston Sirino and Haashim Domingo, which will make the game tough. Mvala also noted that Durban City will be motivated by their recent qualification for the group stages of the Confederations Cup.
Despite the challenges, Mvala is optimistic about the team's chances. He highlighted the team's performance in their last game against Marumo Gallants, where they secured three points and a clean sheet. Mvala expressed his joy at being back with his teammates and credited Malibongwe Khoza for helping him regain his confidence during the game.
As Sundowns prepares to face Durban City at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, Mvala is focused on the task at hand. With the team's recent performances and his own personal journey, Mvala is eager to make a positive impact in the upcoming game.
Key points
- Mvala's successful return to the pitch after a long injury layoff.
- The defender's gratitude to his team and club for their support during his rehabilitation.
- Sundowns' upcoming league match against Durban City, which promises to be a competitive outing.
