Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala doubtful for AFCON 2025 after latest injury setback

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala has suffered a major injury setback ahead of the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

The biggest continental showpiece has been scheduled to take place in Morocco between December 2025 and January 2026, with South Africa set to battle for the prestigious title.

Two months to the tournament in the North African country, the Bafana Bafana has been dealt with a massive following an injury setback to Mamelodi Sundowns star Mothobi Mvala.

Mvala, who was making his first appearance for Sundowns after three months absence succumbed to another injury in his sides’ game against Golden Arrows in the South African Premier League.

The 31-year-old was forced with a knee injury after just 22 minutes into the high-stake clash, sparking concerns about his availability for the AFCON tournament.

After the game, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed the defender will undergo surgery to correct his injury.

“Unfortunately, we lost Mothobi, he will be submitted to the surgery,” he said as quoted by iDiskiTimes.

The 31-year-old has made 27 appearances for the South Africa national team, scoring one goal across the period.