Who is Mothobi Mvala? The biography of the South African central defender

Who is Mothobi Mvala? The biography of the South African central defender

Kenneth Mwenda
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM

Mothobi Mvala is a name that resonates with the world of South African football because of his enthusiasm and skill. He is a central defender whose talent and dedication have made him a notable figure in the sport.

Who is Mothobi Mvala?
Mothobi Mvala of South Africa during the match between France and South Africa on March 29, 2022, in Lille, France. Photo: Baptiste Fernandez (modified by the author)
Source: Getty Images

Playing for Mamelodi Sundowns, one of South Africa’s top football clubs, Mvala has shown exceptional prowess on the field, making him an integral part of his team. His biography, from a modest beginning in Theunissen, Free State, to becoming a celebrated footballer, is a story of hard work, perseverance, and undying passion for the game.

Profile summary

Full name

Mothobi Mvala

Date of birth

14 June 1994

Age

29 years old (as of November 2023)

Place of birth

Theunissen, Free State, South Africa

Nationality

South African

Position

Central defender

Current team

Mamelodi Sundowns (as of 2023)

Previous team

Highlands Park FC (2014-2020)

Professional debut

2014 with Highlands Park FC

Marital status

Married to Palesa Botipe

Net worth

Estimated at $180,000

Social media

Instagram

How old is Mothobi Mvala?

Born on 14 June 1994, Mothobi Mvala is 29 years old (as of November 2023). His age reflects a player in the prime of his career, combining the vigour of youth with the wisdom that comes from experience.

His date of birth places him under the astrological sign Gemini. The sign is known for traits such as adaptability and versatility, qualities Mvala exemplifies on the football field.

Where was Mothobi Mvala born?

Mothobi Mvala was born in Theunissen, a small, picturesque town in the Free State province of South Africa. This is where his journey began, a journey that has seen him rise from local playgrounds to the national and international stages of professional football.

Mothobi Mvala’s career

How old is Mothobi Mvala?
Mothobi Mvala (L) of South Africa against Anass Zaroury (R) of Morocco during a match at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on June 17, 2023. Photo: Ihsaan Haffejee
Source: Getty Images

Mothobi Mvala’s professional football career commenced in 2014. This was when he made his move to Highlands Park FC, marking his departure from the Berea Albion Academy.

During his tenure at Highlands Park, Mvala distinguished himself through 145 appearances, demonstrating his dynamic playing style and scoring ability with an impressive tally of 39 goals. His association with the team, spanning from 2014 to 2020, was a period of significant development and achievement.

In 2020, Mvala’s career trajectory took a notable turn as he joined Mamelodi Sundowns, a premier name in South African football. This transition represented a significant step in his professional growth.

Additionally, Mvala has made his mark on the international football stage, representing South Africa on several occasions. This includes making two appearances for the South African Olympic team in 2016 and participating in the under-23 team, showcasing his skills on an international platform.

Where is Mothobi Mvala now?

Mothobi Mvala currently plays for Mamelodi Sundowns. This is a team known for its competitive spirit and success in South African football.

Mvala’s role as a central defender at Sundowns has been pivotal, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive strength. His presence in the team is a testament to his skill and the high regard in which he is held in the world of South African football.

Mothobi Mvala’s achievements and accolades

His tenure with Mamelodi Sundowns has been particularly illustrious, marked by a trio of consecutive South African championships. Mvala played a pivotal role in securing these titles during the 2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023 seasons, cementing the team’s supremacy in South African football.

His efforts were key in clinching the MTN8 title in the 2021-2022 season, adding a significant trophy to the team’s achievements. Furthermore, Mvala’s versatility and skill were on full display as he helped secure the Nedbank Cup in the same season.

Mothobi Mvala’s stats

Before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns in September 2020, Mvala made 151 league appearances in total at Highlands Park, scoring 39 goals.

Over his professional career, he has scored 42 goals (as of November 2023). His impressive playing time of around 16,077 minutes highlights his consistent presence and importance to his teams in various football competitions.

Mothobi Mvala’s net worth

Mothobi Mvala's age
Mothobi Mvala of South Africa competes for the ball with Kylian Mbappe of France during the match between France and South Africa on March 29, 2022, in Lille, France. Photo: Sylvain Lefevre
Source: Getty Images

With an estimated net worth of $180,000, Mvala’s financial success mirrors his journey from a promising young talent to a well-established and successful professional footballer. Parallel to his sports achievements, Mothobi Mvala has also experienced considerable financial success, reflecting the fruits of his talent and dedication to professional football.

Mothobi Mvala’s salary at Sundowns

The financial rewards of Mvala’s dedication and skill are reflected in his salary at Mamelodi Sundowns, which is reported to be around $13,605 per month. This salary not only signifies his value to the team but also ranks him among the well-compensated players in the South African Premier Soccer League.

Mothobi Mvala’s wife

He is married to Palesa Botipe, a teacher by profession, and they are proud parents to a daughter. The couple’s relationship, which began during Mvala’s early professional years, illustrates a strong and enduring bond supported by mutual respect and shared experiences.

Mothobi Mvala has always maintained privacy regarding his family. Little is known about his parents or his upbringing. However, it is clear that his early life in Theunissen laid a strong foundation for his future success. His journey from local fields to national stadiums is a story of talent nurtured from a young age.

Mothobi Mvala’s Instagram

Mvala’s presence on social media, particularly Instagram, offers fans a glimpse into his life and career. His account is a space where he shares updates and personal insights and interacts with his growing base of followers. His social media presence bridges the gap between the player and his fans, offering a more personal connection.

Mothobi Mvala’s car and lifestyle

While Mothobi Mvala keeps a low profile regarding his lifestyle and assets, it is known that his successful football career has afforded him a comfortable and perhaps luxurious life. Rumours of him receiving a car as part of a win at the Highland Park Awards in 2019, where a photo of him sitting in the car was shared on social media, suggest a lifestyle in line with his professional success.

Mothobi Mvala stands as a beacon of talent and dedication in South African football. As he continues his career, Mvala not only represents Mamelodi Sundowns and South Africa on the field but also inspires a new generation of footballers who look up to him as a role model.

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Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.
Tags
South Africa Football Association (SAFA)