Mamelodi Sundowns wing back Thapelo Morena has opened up on his road to recovery as he aims to return to full fitness.
The 26-year-old sustained a fracture and ligament damage to his right ankle as Sundowns edged Tshwane rivals SuperSport United in their Nedbank Cup last-32 clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
Morena was unable to continue and was out for a lengthy period after he was stretchered off the pitch in the 69th minute when he twisted his ankle in a freak accident during a battle with SuperSport defender Onismor Bhasera.
However, Morena has since removed the protective boot, allowing him to increase his training drills in the process of getting fully fit for when the league resumes.
‘My foot is not 100%, I push myself to a certain limit with team exercises and those that I feel my foot can’t take yet I then do other activities such as cycling, strengthening and mobility,’ Morena told his club’s official website.
‘With the moonboot the exercises are limited and therefore I only had to do those that will not pose a threat to my foot. With that being said, my strong mentality that I can overcome this is what kept me going as well as eating healthy and positive lifestyle.
‘Without the moonboot I keep focused by reminding myself of the end goal, where do I want to see myself by the time the league resumes. The team allocated me a physical trainer [Thato] and he has been very helpful and motivating. He helps me a lot with my rehabilitation progress and exercises.
‘It felt inspirational, I could see myself back on the pitch. From that day my whole mentality changed because I saw the possibility of everything again. My injury was not easy even dealing with it wasn’t easy, so every milestone is worth a celebration.’
Morena added that he is relishing the chance for the Absa Premiership to resume after the Premier Soccer League (PSL) was given the green light.
‘You never know how joyful and important something really is until you lose sight of it. Boredom is taking a strain on us but with football around, we know things will change for the better. Can’t wait to give Mzansi that joy again,’ he added.
