Teboho Mokoena played through pain to fire Mamelodi Sundowns to MTN8 final victory

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena played through injury to help his side beat Orlando Pirates 2-0 and win the MTN8, head coach Miguel Cardoso has revealed.

The 29-year-old scored the opening goal at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, despite doubts over his fitness after he was injured while on international duty with Bafana Bafana.

Mokoena had played in only one of South Africa’s three matches during the recent international break. He picked up the injury against Guinea, leaving his availability for the final as one of the main pre-match talking points.

But he started the match and put Sundowns ahead in the 12th minute. Iqraam Rayners then converted a penalty in stoppage time to complete the victory and secure Sundowns’ fifth MTN8 title.

Cardoso said Mokoena was still experiencing pain throughout the final, but chose to play after receiving treatment from both the national team and his club.

“Teboho has a tension in the quadriceps ligament and so it was from his first treatment at Bafana and second treatment at the club and his ability to suffer that he could play because he certainly wasn’t pain-free so we had to support him with dealing with the pain,” said Cardoso.

The Sundowns manager also acknowledged that Mokoena’s limited preparation was evident early in the game, particularly because of the pace of the contest.

“We also obviously knew he had not trained recently and it was clear when the match started with the pace but he picked up and they are high profile players and even though he finished the game very, very tired, I’m happy to have players with that character,” he added.

Mokoena’s goal gave Sundowns control of a final in which both teams were competing for important silverware. His willingness to continue despite the injury was also highlighted by Cardoso as an example of the commitment demanded in high-pressure matches.

The midfielder’s condition will now be monitored as Sundowns return to the wider demands of the season. His importance to the team means his recovery is likely to remain a key consideration for the coaching staff.