Mamelodi Sundowns striker Cuthbert Malajila says the club still holds him in high regard and that is why letting him go was not a consideration in the off-season. Cuthbert Malajila says Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane still believes in him.
The 32-year-old last played for Sundowns against Kaizer Chiefs in October 2017 as a late substitute and picked up a knock, while he can draw some encouragement from being on the bench in the Brazilians’ 2-1 win over AS Togo-Port in the CAF Champions League in July.
Malajila has had to take a backseat, as Downs recently bolstered their attacking options with the signing of Jose Ali Meza, Toni Silva and Lebohang Maboe, adding to a frontline that includes Jeremy Brockie and Sibusiso Vilakazi.
The Zimbabwean, however, says he still feels valued at Chloorkop. “I never had those talks [of leaving],” Malajila tells KickOff.com. “The coach [Pitso Mosimane] still believes in me, that’s why I’m still here. “But you know tomorrow never dies. You never know, but again I’m still committed to Sundowns. The club never said anything about it.
“Football is about competition, I’m always ready for challenges. Even on day one when I moved to Sundowns, there was competition. So it’s part of the game and as a player, I’m always ready for competition, it makes me a better player.
“So it’s good for everyone. It’s good for me as a player, it’s good for other players also, it’s good for the team.” Malajila is optimistic he will regain his place in the team after the FIFA international break. “I’m always confident. That is one thing, that I believe in myself,” Malajila says.
“I’m just waiting for my chance. Injuries are part of the game and no one wants an injury but when it comes you have to accept it. But that is water under the bridge; I’ve moved on from that. I’m working hard, I’m on rehab, I can say I’m 80 per cent ready.
“The good thing is I’m not thinking about it anymore. I’m ready to go and I’m just wishing that I get fit and as strong as possible, then I’ll be ready to go. “I think after the FIFA break I’ll be ready.”
Source: Kickoff
