Following an impressive showing in a relatively successful Fifa Club World Cup campaign under scorching weather conditions in the US, Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala says he is already setting his sights on the upcoming 2025-26 PSL season.
Sundowns will be returning for their pre-season training at their base in Chloorkop next Monday, 21 July.
“Firstly, I hope and pray that I stay injury-free. That is the most important thing. And I am looking forward to working hard and just helping the team achieve its targets because we always set goals for ourselves every season.
“I also want to win more trophies with the team and get more game time this coming season, but that will be determined by my fitness,” Mvala told Sunday World.
The 31-year-old tenacious defender will, though, be competing for a place in coach Miguel Cardoso’s team against Malibongwe Khoza, Mosa Lebusa, Grant Kekana and Keanu Cupido at centre back.
Mvala also spoke about Sundowns experience at the World Cup, stating that they took a lot of lessons playing against some of the best players and clubs on the globe.
“Being at the Club World Cup was a once-in-a-lifetime experience because, for most of us, it was the first time being in that space and playing against some of the best players in the world.
“I am very proud of my team because we went there and played well. The only disappointment is that we did not go further in the competition because of our mistakes.
“But these are the lessons we took; we understand that the level is different, and we can get punished with one mistake. In the PSL, you can get away with it, but not at that level,” he added.
The new Betway Premiership season is expected to kick off on August 8, with the MTN8 set to be the curtain raiser a week before.
Masandawana will face Richards Bay in the top-eight competition.
Meanwhile, just like his teammate Teboho Mokoena, Mvala will be giving back to his community of Theunissen in Free State, where he will be launching his schools tournament to uplift the youth of his hometown this coming Saturday.
