Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala has reflected on his CAF Champions League heartbreaks, speaking openly about the club’s long-held dream of lifting the prestigious trophy.
Mvala has been part of the Sundowns squad that has consistently chased continental glory under former coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rulani Mokwena.
Despite their usual dominance in the group stages, the Brazilians have suffered repeated eliminations in the latter stages of the competition.
He endured a tough moment in the 2022/23 semi-final against Wydad Casablanca after conceding an own goal as Sundowns narrowly missed out on a place in the final.
Injury then added to his frustration last season, as he missed the final defeat to Pyramids from the sidelines.
Mvala believes previous setbacks have built character and experience, and he feels this season could finally be the one where Sundowns claim the Champions League crown.
“It would mean a lot because this is a trophy that that we have always been chasing, we lose it in the last minutes,” said Mvala on Mamelodi Sundowns TV.
“There’s many times where we’re doing well in the group stages, dominating and then we just give it away in the last minute.
“And then I think slowly we’re getting there. Winning it, for me and the club, it would mean a lot, every season we are chasing it.
“I hope that this season is a season that we will make our supporters happy cause they have suffered a lot in this tournament.
“They have given us the support, but we haven’t given them the joy of bringing the trophy home. I believe that the time is coming.
“As they always say that, sometimes you need to be familiar with the tournament so that it knows you. I believe that CAF knows us and it will come alright.”
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