Talent is there

Banyana Banyana and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Bambanani Mbane recently returned to the field following a long lay-off due to a career-threatening injury she suffered during Banyana Banyana's 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Last 16 match against Netherlands. One of the best central defenders in Africa, having been named in the 2022 CAF WAFCON's Best XI, the Sterkspruit-born defender slowly worked her way back to full fitness and is now playing again. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Mzoxolo Budaza, Mbane talks about the frustrations of watching from the sidelines, what kept her motivated, getting back to full fitness as well as her plans for the future.

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Mzoxolo Budaza: Thank you for your time, Bambanani. You've just returned from the long-term injury that you suffered against Netherlands during the 2023 Women's World Cup. How did it affect you?

Bambanani Mbane: Thank you for having me. The injury didn't affect me that much because people around me gave me the support I needed. My wife, Mamelodi Sundowns, as well as the national team and my teammates were always there for me, so I didn't feel it that much. Of course, the days were not the same. In some days I felt that, especially when the team was playing, I should also be there with them. But having said that, things happen for a reason, and I think my injury was no different.

MB: And you were on the sidelines for a very long time. Please tell us about the recovery process.

BM: The medical team did a really good job because rehabilitation is not easy. The injury was very bad, honestly, but the medical team did the job and ensured that I got back on the field. The people I was working with helped me a lot. We have Godfrey "Godfather" Sapula: he's one person who helped me a lot in terms of rehabilitation.

MB: What was that period on the sidelines like?

BM: Honestly speaking, I was hurting, especially considering that I played well at the World Cup until I suffered that injury. But like I said, God does things His way. Unfortunately, that was something beyond my control, but I told myself that I would come back stronger. I knew it was not going to be easy when I came back, so I told myself I had to do things according to instructions: I would do whatever the medical team told me to do. They told me that, of course, I'd be back and I just needed to be focused and tell myself "I will do it." I am now alright, fully recovered and back on the field playing. Yes, I am back.