Broos Thrilled To Be Bolstered By Mvala’s Return

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is elated to have defender Mothobi Mvala back in the national team after he missed the past two camps due to injury.

Mvala was sidelined for the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September and October because of a knee injury. During his absence, Broos paired Rushwin Dortley, Grant Kekana, and Siyabonga Ngezana in defense.

Despite not being considered the most talented footballer in South Africa, as acknowledged by coach Broos, Mvala has proven to be an invaluable asset to the Belgian coach. He played a crucial role in Bafana Bafana’s bronze medal finish at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

However, Mvala missed the beginning of the season due to his knee injury with his club, Mamelodi Sundowns. Having recovered and played a few matches, he has been recalled by Broos for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Uganda on Friday in Kampala and South Sudan at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday.

Bafana Bafana needs only three points from these two matches to secure their place in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

“First of all, I was very happy that Mothobi played for Sundowns,” said Broos. 

“He was injured for a long time and if you see the things he did in the past for Bafana Bafana, I’m very happy. 

“I tell you, I’m very happy that he is back. The way that he is not the finest, biggest or the most talented player of South Africa, but he is also important for us in the past games. 

“So, it was also a loss that he wasn’t there in matches against Congo (away) because that is a player that can help us in such games. 

“So, again, I’m very happy that he is back, very happy that he played for Sundowns in the last games. He has again the feeling of the games. 

“You saw in the past how important he is.”