PSL
Mphela strives for quick return
2012-07-13 09:29
Johannesburg - Mamelodi Sundowns striker Katlego Mphela is confident of a swift
recovery following surgery as he looks to make amends for another
trophyless season.
Mphela will miss the start of the new season having undergone a knee operation.
However, the 27-year-old insists his recuperation is coming along
swimmingly and he could be back on the park sooner than expected.
"I'm feeling much better now and I'm happy to say that I'm
walking properly without feeling any pain," Mphela told Downs' official
website.
"The operation went well and I think it's healing quite well and I might come back sooner than expected."
The Bafana Bafana hitman has bemoaned Downs' failure to secure
any silverware last term after coming close on several fronts, and hopes
his vigour on attack - and defence - will help rectify that in 2012/13.
"Last season we worked hard, played beautiful football and even
scored a lot of goals but we won nothing, I honestly believe we deserved
to win at least one trophy," said Mphela.
"We were very unlucky and I also think we gave up to soon, but I
really hope we have learnt from happened and carry the fight till the
end of the season."
He added: "I want to score goals in the new season, I also want
to help the team win something, which means I also have to defend
whenever required to do so.
"Every ambitious player wants to win and I'm no different, I have
been with the club for four years and I have not won anything but I'm
determined to change that".
"We have what it takes to challenge for all the trophies because
we have the best coach and players in the country and I believe that
this season will see us do just that."
Meanwhile, the former SuperSport United ace is delighted with the
Brazilians' off-season recruits, especially the capture of top marksman
Edward Manqele.
Manqele has been a revelation since making his PSL debut for Free
State Stars last term, firing home 11 league goals to finish the
campaign as the third most prolific striker in South Africa's top
flight.
"Edward is very good signing for the club and I'm impressed with
his attitude because it's important for any young player to have a
reference," Mphela said.
"When I came to the club I found senior players like Brian Baloyi and Esrom Nyandoro, from whom I learnt a lot from."