Brian Mandela Onyango (left), Mothobi Mvala (centre) and Bongani Zungu looks dejected during the CAF Champions League match against Wydad Athletic Club at Loftus Stadium on last Friday. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mthobi Mvala is said to have apologised to his teammates and the rest of the team after his own goal helped Wydad Athletic knock the Brazilians out of the Caf Champions League.
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With Sundowns leading the game 2-1 and on the verge of going through to the final, Mvala headed the ball into his own net to make it 2-2 and Wydad were able to reach the final thanks to the away goal rule.
The former Highlands Park player was left with so much emotion after the game and he is said to be blaming himself for the defeat, which denied the Brazilians a chance at another shot at continental glory.
The source says the mood in the dressing room was full of sadness, but the players don’t blame Mvala for the loss.
“I feel sorry for him because he blames himself for the defeat. The thing is, he knows how much reaching the final of the Champions League meant to everyone at the club. He scored an own-goal, and that is what helped Wydad to go to the final. But, it’s not his fault. He apologised to the guys after the game, you could see that he was hurting,” said the source.
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“Mistakes happen in football. It was not to be for the club and the players understand that. Mvala has been fighting all season for the club and one costly mistake doesn’t change the kind of a player that he is. Yes, it is a disappointment to have missed out on the final, but we move on. I know a lot of people will want to criticise him, but he has everyone at the club behind his back. He was assured that nothing will change and he is still one of the respected players at the team.”
Mvala, who joined the Brazilians from Highlands Park in 2020, played 11 games in the Caf Champions League and made one assist.
The defensive midfielder has been converted into a centre-back for the Brazilians and has excelled in that position this season.
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