Bafana Bafana and Polokwane City FC defender Thabang Matuludi has broken his silence on the transfer speculation linking him with a high-profile move away from the Limpopo side ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The 27-year-old right-back has reportedly attracted heavy interest from the traditional ‘Big Three ‘ — Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns—following his stellar performances for Rise and Shine.
While Chiefs are said to have cooled their interest upon discovering that the player remains under contract at Polokwane City, Pirates and Sundowns reportedly retain a strong interest in securing his signature ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Following an extended break after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Matuludi has returned to Polokwane City FC for pre-season training. He was part of the Bafana squad that made history in North America by reaching the knockout stages for the first time in the country’s history, losing out to co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32.
THABANG MATULUDI REMAINS MUM ON HIS FUTURE AMID TRANSFER TALKS
Speaking during the official launch of the inaugural Mafori Cup at the Ranch resort in Polokwane on Tuesday, Matuludi admitted that it doesn’t come as a surprise that there are always talks about his future.
“There is no way I can be surprised. Obviously, when you are playing week in and week out, there will always be talks [around your future],” Matuludi told FARPost.
However, the right-back refused to dwell on his preferred destination or whether he wants to remain at the Limpopo club.
“That one we will see. I can’t talk about that, I am here for now,” added Matuludi.
NEW PRE-SEASON FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT LAUNCHED IN LIMPOPO
Matuludi was representing his club ahead of the newly pre-season tournament called 2026 Mafori Cup .which will feature fellow Betway Premiership side Sekhukhune United as well as Motsepe Foundation Championship teams Magesi FC and Venda FC.
“For me as a player, such tournaments will help us prepare for the league. So that we can see where we are as a team. It’s also important that we also win because it boosts our confidence as players because we can evaluate where we are.”
The inaugural 2026 Mafori Cup kicks off on Saturday, 25 July at Seshego Stadium. Polokwane City FC face Sekhukhune United in the 09:00 AM semi-final, followed by Venda FC against Magesi FC at 11:00 AM. The final is scheduled for 15:00 at the same venue.
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