Polokwane City FC defender Thabang Matuludi has opened up on his aspirations of challenging for the Bafana Bafana right-back spot.
The 25-year-old was recently called up for the Bafana side at the 2024 COSAFA Cup.
He has also attracted interest from Betway Premiership clubs such as Stellenbosch FC.
Matuludi featured during Polokwane City’s 1-0 defeat in the MTN8 quarter-final on Sunday, with indications that he is staying put at the club.
POLOKWANE CITY DEFENDER TALKS ABOUT CHALLENGING FOR A REGULAR SPOT AT BAFANA BAFANA
The Limpopo-born defender says his focus is now on breaking into the senior national team. But he admits fighting for the spot against the likes of Khuliso Mudau and Nyiko Mobbie will not come easy.
“It’s players that I do watch, and I know it’s tough to break into the team. It’s not easy to take out Mudau or Mobbie,” he told FARPost.
“But if you want to break into that team, you have to work hard and match their performances or even do better. You can’t just want to be in the national team, you have to deliver.
“Those two players inspire me a lot. If you want to be the best, you also need to look up to the best players,” said Matuludi.
THABANGA MATULUDI ON HIS RFECENT BAFANA BAFANA EXPERIENCE AT THE COSAFA CUP
Matuludi, who used to be a winger in the early stages of his career, also shared the experience he had under Helman Mkhalele in the national team.
“I was very pleased because that’s one of the things I have always wanted to achieve,” he said. “If you check where you come from and what you want to achieve, there is a difference.
“That’s what every player wants to see himself playing for the national team. Not just that, but to do well. I think I did well. My ultimate goal is to see myself successful in life.”
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