Mamelodi Sundowns set to make call on Mothobi Mvala’s future

Mvala has endured an injury-hit campaign, featuring in just two matches across all competitions after undergoing surgery earlier this year. However, coach Miguel Cardoso has confirmed the 31-year-old returned to training over the past week, offering hope of a late-season comeback.

The centreback joined Sundowns in 2020 from Highlands Park alongside striker Peter Shalulile, with both players nearing the end of their current contracts. 

While the club is believed to be moving to retain Mvala, his leadership and influence in the dressing room are said to have weighed heavily in the decision, despite his recent injury setbacks.

Mvala was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that secured bronze at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, where his impact was highlighted by head coach Hugo Broos in the heart of defence when paired with Grant Kekana.  

Since then, recurring injuries have limited his involvement at international level and led to his omission from the recent AFCON and FIFA World Cup squads. 

Cardoso remains cautious about rushing the defender back into action for the remaining Betway Premiership fixtures, as well as the upcoming CAF Champions League tie against AS FAR, stressing the need to manage his recovery. 

“Mothobi is training with the team, but not for a long time – basically almost one week. Obviously, considering the long term injury he had, there's not only his return to training but his return to performance,” the coach explained. 

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“He is a very important player in the locker room, a very important player for us in terms of what we see. He's a leader, a high profile and character. I love him so much, but I think we should not put too much pressure on him coming to the pitch to play. It's important to give him the proper condition so that when he comes he really comes and settles down.”