Mothobi Mvala: Mamelodi Sundowns Star Opens Up on AFCON Absence and World Cup Ambitions
- Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala has shared his thoughts on missing out on the final squad that represented Bafana Bafana at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
- The South African international also spoke about his dream of making the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America
- The submission by the 31-year-old centre-back sparked different opinions from Bafana Bafana fans on social media
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala has spoken candidly about his absence from the Africa Cup of Nations and his ambition to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Source: Getty Images
The experienced South African centre-back, now 31 years old, played an influential role in Bafana Bafana’s campaign at the previous AFCON, where the team finished with a bronze medal after beating the Democratic Republic of Congo in the third-place play-offs.
However, a series of injuries late last season, which extended into the current campaign, ruled him out of contention for the 2025 edition.
Mvala is still on the road to recovery after undergoing surgery. He admitted he was desperate to travel with the squad to Morocco, explaining that the players had made a pact to go one better this time after their semi-final disappointment at the last tournament. Despite his absence, he offered his full support to Hugo Broos’ team.
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Mvala on AFCON snub, World Cup dreams
Speaking on Mamelodi Sundowns TV, Mvala said his injury prevented him from joining the squad, even though he had hoped to be involved, adding that he remains confident the team will do the nation proud.
He also recalled discussions within the squad following their defeat to Nigeria at the previous AFCON, noting that the players were determined to return and lift the trophy.
Looking ahead, Mvala stressed that his immediate focus is regaining full fitness, with his long-term goal firmly set on earning a place in the South Africa squad for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada in June.
South Africa booked a place at the global football tournament ahead of Nigeria after beating Rwanda in the last qualifiers.
Here is what fans are saying on social media about Mvala's ambition of making the Bafana Bafana World Cup squad after missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Source: Getty Images
Alex Mveleli Mvee Nyamani said:
"He will never be called up in the World Cup by Broos as long as he is still playing for our Sundowns, ask Mbule."
Ntobz Ndolie wrote:
"Mthobi Mvala wasn't playing at Sundowns; it was obvious his chances of being selected were slim, even Grant Kekana, who was playing, deserved selection; he must be determined. Sundowns is still going to play most competitions, maybe coach Cardoso will select him, don't lose hope."
Siya Mkhize shared:
"Unless Pitso is back there, he has a chance to play. Your European Cardoso is going to destroy you. But what do we say because the Tswana pedi Sotho who are in Sundowns are digging a hole for Europe?"
Khulekani Mvelase reacted:
"He should get a chance at the World Cup if he plays regularly for Mamelodi Sundowns. We don't need a player that's on the bench in our World Cup squad."
Xolani Dube added:
"Cardoso's arrival is one of the factors Mvala is not in the Bafana Bafana squad. I just hope he recovers fully and regains match fitness before the World Cup."
Ex-Sundowns star makes bold statement on Bafana
Briefly News also reported that a former Mamelodi Sundowns player made a bold statement about Bafana Bafana ahead of their game against Cameroon at the 2025 AFCON.
The Cameroon legend is also looking forward to seeing South Africa take on his native country in the Round of 16.
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Source: Briefly News
