Bafana Bafana & Sundowns defender on criticism

The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns defender has revealed his coping mechanisms for dealing with the fierce criticism he has been facing, insisting he is unfazed by it.

A player’s performance is often only celebrated when he is in top form and fades from memory once he struggles. That is what has happened throughout the career of the Brazilian player Mothobi Mvala.

One of the 30-year-old’s most unforgettable mistakes was scoring an own goal in the 2022/23 season, denying Sundowns a place in the CAF Champions League final.

He recently added another costly mistake to his record, costing Masandawana an unbeatable season in the DStv Premiership with a loss to Cape Town City in the final match.

Unfortunately, Mvala has made even more mistakes besides the two mentioned above.

Speaking to the media at Grant Kekana’s charity golf fundraiser at Euphoria Golf Estate, he insisted that the public criticism has not affected him.

Mvala credits his strong support system, including his partner and family, for helping him overcome the challenges he faces in the field.

MOTHOBI MVALA PRAISES THE STRONG SUPPORT BASE YOU HAVE

“It’s something (mistakes) that happens to everyone. Not everyone will like you and that is the nature of our profession or any athlete in the world,” Mvala said.

“If we don’t do it right or make mistakes, these things will always come up. We’re just unfortunate because we do our work publicly and people are watching and can say whatever they want. You just have to be strong as long as you have your family by your side.

“My girlfriend is always there for me, my mother and my teammates to help me recover quickly. That’s what helps me but I don’t put it in my head and I’m not on social media. I don’t see all these things, although I know there are things that people say, but I don’t really see them and I don’t care to be honest.

Mvala believes he has improved to become a better player in recent seasons since joining the Tshwane giants.

The defender has established himself as a key player at the heart of Masandawana’s defense alongside his accomplice Grant Kekana.

“I think every season. “I am always improving and trying to do better than the previous season although there will be mistakes,” she added.

“I try to rectify the mistakes and try to be a better player. Playing center back is not something new for me. It’s a position I’ve played before and I enjoy listening to the coach’s instructions and trying to help the team as much as I can.”