‘I get emotional when I talk about it’ – Mothobi Mvala opens up on painful injury battle

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala has opened up about the psychological challenges of his lengthy injury recovery, admitting he becomes emotional when reflecting on the difficult months he spent away from football.

The Mamelodi Sundowns veteran defender missed most of last season because of persistent injury problems but is finally beginning to rediscover his rhythm after completing his recovery.

Mvala played his first full 90 minutes in more than a year when Sundowns defeated Marumo Gallants 1-0 in their Carling Knockout Cup encounter during the week.

It was a significant milestone for the defender, who has made three appearances across all competitions this season.

His other two outings came in the Betway Premiership against Siwelele and Richards Bay, with head coach Miguel Cardoso gradually easing him back into action through substitute appearances.

Reflecting on the difficult period, Mvala acknowledged the mental toll of being unable to play while expressing gratitude to his family, teammates, coaches and the club’s management for standing by him.

“It was not an easy journey, and it was psychologically challenging,” he said as Sundowns prepared to face Durban City in their Betway Premiership fixture at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Saturday night.

“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 savours long-awaited Sundowns return

The 31-year-old said nothing compares to the satisfaction of returning to competitive football after such a prolonged absence.

Having worked tirelessly through his rehabilitation, he was delighted to finally get another opportunity to represent the Brazilians and was determined to make the most of it.

“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.”

His return against Marumo Gallants also came with a positive team result, as he partnered Malibongwe Khoza in central defence to help goalkeeper Ricardo Goss secure a clean sheet.

Although he admitted that regaining match confidence was initially challenging, Mvala credited his defensive partner for helping him settle into the contest.

“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.”

Mvala expects tough Durban City test

Sundowns now turn their attention to league action against Durban City, with Mvala anticipating a difficult encounter against Eric Tinkler’s side.

The defender believes their opponents have enough quality and experience to trouble the reigning South African champions, particularly with former Sundowns players Gaston Sirino and Haashim Domingo among their ranks.

He also expects Durban City to approach the contest with added confidence after securing qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup group stages.

“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.”