Mamelodi Sundowns have secured the services of Bafana Bafana right-back Thabang Matuludi, with the defender putting pen to paper on Wednesday. Information reaching FARPost indicates that the transfer has reached its final stages, with the Polokwane City player signing a long-term deal.
Matuludi has signed a three-year contract, with Sundowns holding an option to extend it by a further two years, subject to the completion of the customary medical checks.
Sundowns have beaten Orlando Pirates to the defender’s signature, with the Buccaneers also understood to have been keen on acquiring his services. The Brazilians have moved ahead with the deal despite recently signing former Pirates right-back Deano Van Rooyen. Sundowns’ first-choice right-back Khuliso Mudau is nursing a long-term injury, and the club has gone into the market to beef up.
Matuludi has been on Sundowns’ radar for some time, with his quality and status as a Bafana international making him a priority target.
THE RISE OF THABANG MATULUDI
Although Van Rooyen provides an immediate option, the younger Matuludi is highly rated and viewed as the stronger long-term prospect at right-back. The move represents a significant step in the defender’s career, giving him an opportunity to compete for domestic honours and feature in the CAF Champions League and other international competitions.
Matuludi was part of the Bafana squad at the recent FIFA World Cup, where he provided cover for Mudau. He has earned three senior international caps and will be eager to return to competitive action as he looks to convince new national team coach Pitso Mosimane that he deserves to remain in the squad.
Mosimane named him in his provisional squad as he prepares to guide Bafana in this month’s AFCON qualifiers against Guinea on 26 September and Eritrea four days later.
He is yet to feature this season after recovering from injury but recently returned to full training. His immediate priority will be regaining match fitness and challenging for minutes in a Sundowns squad packed with competition.
Matuludi joined Polokwane City from Limpopo side The Dolphins FC during the 2021/22 season. He developed into one of Rise and Shine’s most influential players during their time in the Motsepe Foundation Championship season, occasionally wearing the captain’s armband.
Since Polokwane City returned to the top flight, Matuludi has made 72 league appearances, scoring six goals and providing two assists. His consistency at club level ultimately earned him recognition with Bafana and attracted interest from two of the country’s leading clubs.
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