Sowetan

Mvala feels playing in NFD could hurt career

Highlands Park star worried about Bafana prospects in lower league

- By Sihle Ndebele

Highlands Park’s Mothobi Mvala fears that playing in the National First Division (NFD) might reduce his chances of playing for the national team again.

After turning out for Bafana in the Cosafa Cup and African Nations Championsh­ip (Chan) qualifiers recently, Mvala would wish to cement his national team berth but admitted that playing in the NFD might jeopardise his ambitions.

“It was a great experience [playing for Bafana]. I would like to play more games but I know that playing in the NFD will not make it easy.

“For me, playing for the national team is about personal growth and representi­ng all the South Africans, which is a wonderful thing to every player,” said Mvala.

Though he would love to move to a top division side soon, the tough-tackling midfielder is still determined to assist Highlands in their bid to make a quick return to the elite league.

“My contract with Highlands will expire next year. At this stage I am prepared to help the team return to the top flight.

“I will continue to work hard and I know that some [Premiershi­p] teams are monitoring my progress and it will be nice to play in the Premiershi­p soon, but I am not focusing on that for now.”

The Tembisa-based club has won both of its opening fixtures against Jomo Cosmos and Royal Eagles, and Mvala, 23, expects the team to maintain the good run.

“We have started well, with two wins in two matches. We must maintain that record for a long time. We are very high in confidence. The team is gelling well but it is vital to remain grounded,” said the former SA U-23 player.

‘‘ At this stage I am prepared to help the team return to the top flight.

Weekend NFD results

Cosmos Bucks Leopards Super Eagles Eagles Stellenbos­ch Kings AmaTuks Tshakhuma Ubuntu Mbombela Highlands Uthongathi Spurs

 ?? SYDNEY MAHLANGU /BACKPAGEPI­X ?? Mothobi Mvala of Highlands Park is hoping to build on a fledgeling internatio­nal career, after appearance­s in the Cosafa Cup and Chan qualifiers.
SYDNEY MAHLANGU /BACKPAGEPI­X Mothobi Mvala of Highlands Park is hoping to build on a fledgeling internatio­nal career, after appearance­s in the Cosafa Cup and Chan qualifiers.

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