Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana utility star Thapelo Morena has reflected on overcoming injury woes and enjoying more game time this season in the colours of the Tshwane giants.
Speaking to the media at a press conference in Chloorkop on Wednesday, the 33-year-old opened up about his growing role under coach Miguel Cardoso. Morena has had limited involvement in Masandawana matches in recent seasons, largely owing to fitness issues and stiff competition.
Naturally a right-back, Morena has been operating more as a right winger this season. He has played seven games for Sundowns this season, including featuring in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup against Al Ahli and the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates. The experienced star lasted 90 minutes in each of those two crucial games.
Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has also brought him back into the national side, and he participated in two of the three games during the last FIFA international period. The return to the national team came after he agonisingly missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to injury.
‘I’LL GIVE EVERYTHING FOR THIS BADGE’: MORENA REFLECTS ON INJURY RECOVERY AND SUNDOWNS REVIVAL
Thapelo Morena: Picture by Mamelodi Sundowns“To be honest, I’m very happy, and it’s one thing that every player would like to see. Coming back from a setback and getting minutes, and also helping the team, it’s one thing we all give to the team,” Morena told journalists.
“As you asked me, for me, I’m always willing to give for this badge because this badge, whatever it has done for me, it’s something big and great.”
The Brazilians are preparing to host Angolan side Wiliete SC in the second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round. Cardoso’s side was held 0-0 by Wiliete in the away leg last weekend.
That places the reigning African champions in a tricky spot as their visitors just need a scoring draw to advance to the group stage. With Sundowns facing the possibility of humiliation in front of their fans at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Morena has vowed that they will throw everything at Wiliete.
“For the game on Friday, we are going to put everything on the pitch. We are going to sweat blood, and no matter what, we are going to go through,” Morena declared.
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