Sundowns star to go under the knife

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala is facing a major setback.

Coach Miguel Cardoso has confirmed that the Bafana Bafana defender will undergo surgery.

The incident cruelly happened during the 31-year-old’s first game back after spending three months on the sidelines with injury.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DEFENDER MOTHOBI MVALA IS RETURNING TO THE SIDELINES

Mvala featured for just 22 minutes last Wednesday against Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership before an incident during the match hurt his knee.

“Unfortunately, we lost Mothobi, he will be submitted to the surgery,” Cardoso said as quoted by iDiskiTimes.

The Sundowns tactician also took the opportunity to provide updates on the rest of his squad. Central defender Keanu Cupido suffered a concussion scare but was cleared of any major damage. “With Cupido, thanks God it wasn’t a big thing, he had a concussion but didn’t faint or vomit,” Cardoso explained.

Nevertheless, Sundowns remain with a couple of quality options in the heart of defence.

Available options in central defence:

• Malibongwe Khoza, 21
• Mosa Lebusa, 32
• Kegan Johannes, 24.

Meanwhile, Thapelo Morena is expected back soon, while Grant Kekana and Zuko Mdunyelwa should return after the international break. “Morena, pretty quick, he’ll be back in the team, Grant and Zuko, after the break, they will be ready to play,” Cardoso confirmed.

FULL WEEK OF TRAINING

Meanwhile, Sundowns, after becoming the first club to hit 10 games played this season, will enjoy a rare full week without a fixture.

Kabo Yellow will only be on match duty on Saturday night. Marumo Gallants will be visiting Tshwane for the Carling Knockout last 16 clash at 20:00.

As things stand, the Betway Premiership champions have returned to the top of the league after last weekend’s swaggering 4-1 win over Richards Bay. Sundowns, who have drawn Nigeria Football League champions Remo in the CAF Champions League, have 21 points from 10 matches, courtesy of six wins, three draws and a defeat.

The club has completed four signings in the recent transfer window. Faawaaz Basadien arrived from Stellenbosch FC, Katelgo Ntshabaleng on loan from Dallas FC in the USA, Nuno Santos from Vitória Guimarães in Portugal, and Miguel Rieisinho on a free deal.