Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala is relishing the chance to help the club make history after admitting he feared he might never reclaim his place following a lengthy injury lay-off.
The centre-back has returned to action, captaining the 2026 African champions to 1-0 victories over Marumo Gallants and Golden Arrows recently.
The win over Gallants strengthened Sundowns’ position at the top of the Betway Premiership table, while the victory over Arrows secured their place in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals.
His timely return comes ahead of Sundowns’ CAF Super Cup clash with USM Alger on Sunday, with the prospect of competing for continental silverware adding weight to his comeback.
Sundowns host the Algerian side that won the CAF Confederation Cup last season at the Loftus Stadium. Kick-off is at 3 PM.
Sunday’s showdown gives the current crop of Downs players a chance to leave their own mark on the club’s history. The 2016 class, which also lifted the CAF Champions League title, went on to win this cup.
“It means a lot because we’re a group that wants to be part of the history. We know that in 2016, the group that played in this tournament won it. They won the CAF [Champions League], and then they won this trophy. So, we’re also looking forward to making history for the club,” Mvala told journalists.
While another trophy is the immediate target, simply being back alongside his teammates has already given Mvala plenty to appreciate.
His time on the sidelines left him missing the everyday experiences of playing football, from celebrating goals to the exhaustion that follows a competitive match.
MVALA OPENS UP ON DOUBTS DURING HIS LONG ABSENCE
Asked how it felt to return to the field, Mvala described the joy of reconnecting with his teammates and acknowledged the uncertainty he experienced during his recovery.
“It feels great. It feels great to be back in the field, to be with my teammates. You know, to go to the corner flag after scoring and celebrate with them and give each other those high fives. Those are the moments that I missed a lot, you know and getting some minutes.
“[To be back] It gave me, like, motivation because I was out for long. I was worried if I would ever be back on 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 did. But kudos to the coaches, the medical staff, my teammates, the senior players, Themba Zwane, and people who were there for me. That feeling of being tired at the game, I really missed it.”
The Brazilians have already lifted the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup and the MTN8 this season and will be looking to add another trophy following their CAF Champions League exit.
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