Sundowns Key Defender Hit with Injury Setback

The recurring knee issues faced by Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala have reached a definitive point: he requires surgery. 

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made the announcement, signaling the end of Mvala’s frustrating cycle of injury comebacks and relapses.

Mvala has been unable to maintain consistent fitness since the second round of last season, a persistent struggle that has complicated both his club role and his status in the Bafana Bafana squad. 

His latest attempt at a return was fleeting, lasting just 22 minutes in the Betway Premiership match against Golden Arrows last Wednesday before an “incident” mandated the surgical option.

Cardoso elaborated on the decision, highlighting that this was the outcome the medical staff had initially sought to avoid. “Unfortunately, we lost Mothobi, he will be submitted to the surgery,” said Cardoso. 

“We knew that going for traditional treatment on his knee would provoke a possibility for setback. It was the decision taken between the player and the medical department to go through with the process and procedure, things worked well but unfortunately there was an incident in the last match and this time, he will go through surgery.”

For the national team, Mvala's surgery is a huge blow. Coach Hugo Broos has lost an experienced defensive leader for the foreseeable future, just as the team prepares for crucial fixtures.

Cupido Cleared, Trio Set for Post-Break Return

On a more positive note for Sundowns, the immediate outlook for Keanu Cupido is excellent. The defender was stretchered off the pitch during the Arrows match with a concussion, but Cardoso confirmed the injury was not severe.

“With Cupido, thanks God it wasn’t a big thing, he had a concussion but didn’t faint or vomit,” the coach said, assuring fans that Cupido will be back in contention quickly.

Crucially, the club confirmed that three key players are set to return to full training and be match-fit after the upcoming international break: Thapelo Morena, Grant Kekana, and Zuko Mdunyelwa. Their return will mitigate the impact of Mvala’s absence.

Cardoso outlined the return schedule: “Morena, pretty quick, he’ll be back in the team, Grant and Zuko, after the break, they will be ready to play. We will take the advantage of this week and the next one to have them ready.”