Mamelodi Sundowns’ hard-tackling midfielder Mothobi Mvala has decided to refrain from social media due to the stress it causes and the negativity towards footballers, opting rather to refine his game quietly.
Mvala is among the most criticised players on social media by resentful football lovers, which according to Carole Nyakudya, a psychotherapist, can trigger mental health disorders in football stars.
Nyakudya, the 2021 Female Entrepreneur of the Year in the United Kingdom, stressed that social media backlash is among the factors that can affect players’ game.
Nyakudya reminded football fans that behind the tough exterior they see in footballers, “there are vulnerable humans who deserve more than inane abuse on social media – and who are defined by so much more than mere results.”
Mvala has a love-hate relationship with the Yellow Nation, with a section of Sundowns supporters’ bashing him at every chance. In contrast, you have those who love him, like his coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who described him as a ‘soldier and hard worker’.
“I hear the hype about him [Mvala] not being the kind of player to play for Sundowns. Give me a player in South Africa who, in one match, gives you two or more assists, a shot at goal, five box entries in one match,” Mngqithi once told FARPost. The above are golden elements Mvala possesses.
The 27-year-old Bafana Bafana international has grown exponentially since joining Sundowns from Highlands Park in 2020 with 40 appearances to his name, three goals and two assists.
“I have learned to stay away from social media and focus on my game so that I am always focused on the ball,” he said.
“What has helped me the most is doing the right things at the right time. This has helped me to identify my strengths and weaknesses, the latter I am always looking to address. I have also been doing some extra work to elevate my game.
“I am not a stylish player nor the kind of player who is keen on tricks. I consider myself a very tactical player, as I can defend well. One thing I am always working on is my finishing. My teammates and the technical team are fully aware of my incredible shot power, and they have constantly created an avenue for me to hone my skills. I hope I would be able to play more games which would increase my chances of scoring more often.”
At the weekend, Sundowns beat Al Ahly 1-0 at FNB Stadium, and Mvala said it was great to play in front of the 2000 Masandawana fans.
“We made them smile yet again, and we hope that whenever they are in the stands, we give them every reason to smile. I hope that our exciting supporters will be in the stands on a more regular basis very soon so that they can watch us week in, week out,” concluded Mvala.
