Mamelodi Sundowns defender Thapelo Morena is on his way to full recovery from ankle fracture injury he sustained in the Tshwane derby four months ago.
The versatile 26-year-old was forced out of the pitch with his side leading SuperSport United 1-0 in the opening round of the Nedbank Cup.
Many anticipated that he could miss much of 2020 but those predictions have been toned down as he is able to do some exercises and may regain fitness.
“My foot is not 100 per cent, 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,” said Morena.
“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, the strong mentality that I can overcome this is what kept me going as well as eating healthy and a positive lifestyle.”
Signs are positive after the removal of the protective boot as it has seen him increase the intensity a little more especially the squats, speed drills and some on the ball training.
“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,” he elaborates.
“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.”
Depending on when the Premier Soccer League will return, it seems Morena could yet feature for The Brazilians this campaign as they bid for Absa Premiership and Nedbank Cup glory.
“You never know how joyful and important something really is until you lose the 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,” says the speedster.
His full recovery will also mean that the former Bloemfontein Celtic star will be available for South Africa in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe which is expected to be played in September.
Morena has made 108 domestic appearances for Sundowns since he joined the club from Bloemfontein Celtic ahead of the 2016-17 season.
Photo Credit: BackpagePix
