Polokwane City FC head coach Phuti Mohafe has explained why defender Thabang Matuludi has been given the captaincy role at the club.
The Bafana Bafana international captained Rise and Shine during their 2-1 loss to AmaZulu FC and during the 0-0 draw against Siwelele FC in the Betway Premiership.
The 27-year-old spent the early stages of the 2025/26 season sidelined due to a serious injury. However, he returned on time to make the final Bafana Bafana squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] in Morocco.
Matuludi has also been a subject of speculation regarding his future at the Limpopo side. He has been linked with moves to Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns in recent times.
IS THABANG MATULUDI THE NEW CAPTAIN FOR RISE AND SHINE?
Speaking to the media recently, Mohafe revealed why Matuludi has been chosen to lead the team, but couldn’t confirm if it’s a permanent role.
“You have to show the boys that you have a high belief in them and the trust in them,” he told journalists.
PHUTI MOHAFE SAYS POLOKWANE CITY WILL ROTATE CAPTAINCY ROLE
“So anyone can lead the team. It wasn’t a surprise that we chose him to lead the team. With the work that he’s giving to the team, he deserves to be the captain.
“We are still going to rotate, and I can not confirm if it’s only for today or the remainder of the season, but we still have the captaincy in the team. So we are going to use the rotational system.”
Polokwane City are yet to taste victory in their last four matches in all competitions. This includes the defeat to AmaZulu, which saw them exit the Nedbank Cup in the Last 16 stage.
They currently sit seventh on the Betway Premiership log with 25 points from 17 matches so far.
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