The agent of Mamelodi Sundowns’ hard-hitting defender, Mothobi Mvala, has issued an update on the player’s recovery from a knee injury that has sidelined him for several months.
Mvala’s agent, Andrews Matjila, said Mvala had injured his knee during a CAF Champions League match against AS FAR in December 2024, requiring him to spend time off the field.
The versatile player had to leave the pitch during an extremely physical match that ended in a 1-1 draw at the sold-out Stade El Abdi in Morocco. He had only played for 20 minutes before Mosa Lebusa replaced him in the defence.
This was Mvala’s most recent game of the season, as he has made only eight appearances in all competitions and has yet to play under coach Miguel Cardoso. However, the Bafana Bafana international has been training with the Tshwane giants since February.
The injury kept the 30-year-old on the sidelines for the last three months, forcing him to miss crucial matches in the Betway Premiership season, Champions League and Nedbank Cup.
WHAT DID MATJILA SAY ABOUT MOTHOBI MVALA’S RECOVERY?
In an interview with FARPost, Matjila said that Mvala was well on his way to recovery and could return to the field in the coming weeks.
“He was playing in the CAF Champions League, and during the game, he landed awkwardly and injured his knee. It was a bit of a setback, especially since he was returning from a previous injury,” said Matjila.
“The hardest part for him has been being away from the field. Mothobi is a fighter, and he wants to be out there fighting with the team. It’s frustrating for him to be on the sidelines, but he trusts his teammates and believes in the team’s strength.
“The recovery process has been going well, and he’s recovered about 90%. We could be seeing him back on the field in the next two or three weeks.”
Matjila added that Mvala’s support system has kept him going during his recovery period.
“His surroundings are pushing him to stay positive. His teammates, the club’s management, and his family have all been a great support system. The most important thing during this time has been the mental aspect. He’s been getting the support he needs.to help him get back to full fitness,” he said.
“Missing out on playing for the national team has been hard. But he’s determined to get back and help the team in any way he can. He can’t wait to get back on the field.”
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos had to omit Mvala from his 23-member squad, which was announced on Thursday for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in Polokwane.
The match is set for Friday, 21 March. The team will then travel to Ivory Coast to face Benin on Tuesday, 25 March.
Story written by Siphokazi Vuso
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