Ranga Chivaviro of Kaizer Chiefs challenged by Mothobi Mvala of Mamelodi Sundowns during the 2024 Carling Knockout Cup match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on the 02 November 2024
Muzi Ntombela, Backpages
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has given an injury update on Mothobi Mvala which should please supporters ahead of the Carling Knockout final this weekend.
Mvala missed Bafana Bafana’s last Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan with an injury, but it appears there was communication between the national team and Sundowns, which is why Mngqithi did not look too worried going into this Saturday’s final against rookies Magesi FC.
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The former Highlands Park player missed the start of the new season due to injury and returned to the pitch in October, making an immediate impact at the heart of Sundowns’ defence. His form was good enough to earn him a recall to the national team for the final two 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Uganda, but he had to sit out the final clash against South Sudan in Cape Town to nurse the injury he sustained on his arm.
Speaking to the media ahead of the final this weekend, Mngqithi gave an update on the availability of the experienced defender.
“We did get feedback on Mothobi (Mvala). (It’s) just an injury on the hand. It’s not something that can take him out from playing in the final,” Mngqithi said at a press conference held at Chloorkop on Wednesday afternoon.
READ: SA Coach Guides Botswana To AFCON
This means Mvala could get an opportunity to start in the final, with the player expected to take part in training sessions before they travel to Bloemfontein. The Bafana players are due to start preparing with the rest of the team from Thursday morning.
By Tshepang Mailwane
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