Mphela strives for quick return

Johannesburg - Mamelodi Sundowns striker Katlego Mphela is confident of a swift recovery following surgery as he looks to make amends for another trophyless season.

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."