Mothobi Mvala: Sundowns defender feared his time at club was over

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala says he feared his career at the club had come to an end during two injury-hit seasons.

The 32-year-old made only 12 appearances across the past two campaigns, but has returned to the team with consecutive starts in the Carling KnockOut Cup.

Mvala helped Sundowns reach the semi-finals of the domestic cup competition and has impressed since coming back into the side, looking comfortable despite his lengthy absence.

His return has also come ahead of Sundowns’ CAF Super Cup meeting with USM Alger at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. The match is scheduled to kick off at 15h00.

Speaking at a media open day at Chloorkop before the game, Mvala said he had especially missed the shared celebrations and physical demands of matchdays.

“It feels great to be back on the field to be with my teammates, to go to the corner flag after scoring, celebrating with them, give each other hugs, high fives, those are the moments I missed a lot,” he said.

The defender admitted that his prolonged absence had made him question whether he would play for Sundowns again.

“Getting some minutes, it gives me motivation because I was out for long, I was worried if I would ever be back in the team and now, I’m back with the guys. The feeling is amazing, I never thought I’d be back and playing the way, I’ve been,” he added.

Mvala also paid tribute to the people who supported him through his recovery, including the coaching and medical teams, his team-mates and senior players.

“Kudos to the coaches, medical staff, my teammates, the senior players, Themba Zwane, people who were there for me – that feeling of being tired after a game, I really missed it, so it’s amazing.”

Mvala joined Sundowns from Highlands Park in 2020 and has since made 125 appearances for the club. He has scored seven goals and provided four assists.

His latest run in the team gives him an opportunity to add to that record as Sundowns prepare to face Algerian club USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup.