Sphelele Mkhulise ready to shoulder responsibility amid Mokoena uncertainty

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Mkhulise ready to step up as Mokoena remains doubtful

Africa Today at 04:54

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Sphelele Mkhulise ready to shoulder responsibility amid Mokoena uncertainty

Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/ Gallo Images

10.10.26 12:00 MTN 8 Cup South Africa

Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise says he's ready to shoulder the responsibility in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates amid uncertainty surrounding Teboho Mokoena's fitness.

The Bafana international sustained an injury during national duty in the FIFA international break, subsequently missing the 2027 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Eritrea and a friendly against Egypt.

Furthermore, Bathusi Aubaas was another Sundowns blow in the Bafana camp as he was withdrawn 12 minutes into the Eritrea clash, while Aubrey Modiba also suffered a setback alongside Mokoena.

Mkhulise, however, is ready to step up as the main man in the heart of the midfield for the humdinger final, stating that he's always prepared and motivated to be of service to the club.

“I'm always ready, I work hard in training each and everyday. I also train when I'm at home so that I'm ready to deliver and make everyone at Sundowns happy whenever the coach calls upon me,” said the Downs midfielder.

"I'm always ready, like I said. I'm always motivated, I always want to deliver for this beautiful club.

With competition rife in the Sundowns midfield, the 30-year-old utility player takes no issue with biding his time for a regular place in the starting XI, having started three of his six appearances thus far this season.

“My job is to be professional no matter what happens outside, I'm always professional and working hard. As you [media] said that no matter what I do at training, sometimes I don't play, but I have to support the guys,” Mkhulise added.

"I know that my opportunity will come and when that opportunity comes I'm always ready to deliver as a Mamelodi Sundowns player.

Whether Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso will tap into the services of Mkhulise for the MTN8 final set to be staged at the famed Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (18h00) remains to be seen.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.