Mvala prides himself on ‘tactical’ acumen

It must be quite puzzling for Mamelodi Sundowns’ coaches to see Mothobi Mvala (right) being selected for the national team ahead of Andile Jali and Rivaldo Coetzee, whom Mvala plays second fiddle at club level.

Mvala is clearly part of the fabric that forms part of Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana side as he has been once again called-up for duty in friendlies against Guinea and France in the coming days.

Mvala does not lack confidence and resilience, which is what parachuted him into the national team, as he used every opportunity when given a chance to play at Downs.

“For me coming to a big club like Sundowns, I knew it was not going to be easy. I had to adjust to how the team plays and that is due to the help I got from the technical team and the players as well,” said Mvala.

“What has helped me the most is doing the right things at the right time. This has helped me to identify my strengths and weaknesses, the latter which I am always looking to address. I have also been doing some extra work to elevate my game. I have learned to stay away from social media and focus on my game so that I always have my eyes on the the ball,” he added.

Masandawana’s midfield boasts personnel who are ball players and have some trickery in their play, as the likes of Themba

Zwane and Neo Maema can perform a “show me your number” out of nowhere, while Jali, Teboho Mokoena and Coetzee pride themselves on their ability to play a pass. But Mvala is cut from a different cloth, which is what distinguishes him from his team-mates.

“I am not a stylish player nor the kind of player who is keen on tricks. I consider myself a very tactical player.

“I can defend well but I am always working on my finishing.”