Mvala Injury Blow As Mvala Set For Another Layoff
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has confirmed a major setback with defender Mothobi Mvala, revealing that the player will undergo knee surgery after suffering an injury in the midweek defeat to Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium.
Mvala, who has managed just 46 minutes of Betway Premiership action this season, picked up the injury after coming on as a substitute in the second half.
He subsequently missed Sundowns’ 4-1 win over Richards Bay at Lucas Moripe Stadium this past weekend, and his absence will also be a huge concern for Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who relies heavily on the experienced defender as the Africa Cup of Nations is drawing closer.
Cardoso explained that Mvala initially followed a conservative recovery program for a previous knee issue, but the latest setback has left surgery as the only option.
“Unfortunately, we have lost Mothobi. He will be submitted to knee surgery,” said Cardoso.
“We tried conservative treatment, and things worked well, but unfortunately there was an incident in the last match and this time surgery is required.”
Alongside Mvala’s injury update, Cardoso also provided encouraging news on Grant Kekana, Thapelo Morena, and Zuko Mdunyelwa, who are all expected to return after the international break in October.
“Morena will be back quickly. I think Morena, Grant, and Zuko will probably be ready to compete after the break. We will take advantage of this period to prepare them,” he said.
Cardoso further played down concerns around Ashley Cupido, who was stretchered off midweek with a concussion.
“It was not a big thing. He didn’t faint or vomit, so he just needs a few days of rest before reintegrating into training,” Cardoso assured.
Despite the mounting injury list, Sundowns returned to the top of the Betway Premiership table with 21 points from eight matches, one point ahead of Sekhukhune United, who have a game in hand.
The Brazilians will now turn their focus to cup action as they host Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening (20:00).
