Consequently, what happened?Mothobi Mvala attempted to dribble past Jaedin Rhodes with 30 minutes remaining in order for Mamelodi Sundowns to make history by being the first team to finish the season undefeated..
But the Cape Town City striker took the heavy defender off his feet and raced forward to score the game’s only goal, ending Masandawana’s 53-game Premier Soccer League unbeaten streak.Rhulani Mokwena, the coach, was eager to defend the Bafana Bafana player, whose own goal eliminated the Brazilians from the Caf Champions League in the semi-final stage a season ago during the second leg match against Wydad Casablanca.
WHAT MOKWENA SAID
“He is aware of my fondness for him, just as I am for all of my players. I make more mistakes than anyone else, but that’s just part of playing football, the 37-year-old admitted to the reporters.
“I choose to view things from a completely different perspective than many others do. While many see mistakes, I see 29 games of amazing effort. Since he will be feeling the same things as me, [Mvala] will undoubtedly see things the same way I do.
“My players know how much I am with them and I have been with Mothobi Mvala through a lot of things.”I’m rooting for every athlete, and there are a lot of things you people are unaware of.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mvala may have his chance to apologise on Saturday at the Mbombela Stadium when Mamelodi Sundowns takes on Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final.Despite his errors, he has been the club’s most trustworthy back.
Mvala is also a vital player for coach Hugo Broos at the back of the Bafana Bafana squad, and he may start in the starting lineup for the June 7 Group C World Cup qualifier against Nigeria..
WHAT NEXT?
After winning the Premier Soccer League and the African Football League (AFL), Mokwena is aiming for a third trophy this year.
After that, he will begin getting ready for the upcoming campaign in the hopes of acquiring players who can assist him in winning the coveted second Caf Champions League title.
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