Mamelodi Sundowns have further beefed up the right-back position with the acquisition of another Bafana Bafana star, Thabang Matuludi, from Polokwane City FC.
Earlier this week, FARPost captured the defender arriving at OR Tambo International Airport and reported that he had sealed a three-year deal. The Brazilians have now officially announced Matuludi’s signing.
“Thabang Matuludi is officially in yellow! The defender is ready for the next step with Bafana Ba Style,” Sundowns announced on Friday afternoon.
“Mamelodi Sundowns are excited to welcome Thabang Matuludi to the Masandawana family!”
THABANG MATULUDI A NECESSARY SIGNING AFTER VAN ROOYEN’S ARRIVAL?
Matuludi’s arrival further widens right-back options for Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso. The Portuguese coach already has in his war chest the likes of Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Zuko Mdunyelwa and Deano van Rooyen, who was unveiled as a new Sundowns player early this week.
A long-term injury to Mudau initially sparked the need for a new right-back. But the club went on to announce two players in this position within a week, adding to a squad that already has versatile central defender Kegan Johannes, who is comfortable on the right side of defence.
That leaves the Brazilians with three Bafana right-backs, Mudau, Morena and Matuludi, in their group. Mudau and Matuludi went to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with South Africa, while injury dealt Morena a blow after he was named in the preliminary World Cup squad.
However, Cardoso might argue that beefing up this position is necessary for a team that has the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and CAF Super Cup as additional competitions this season.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ TRANSFER BUSINESS SO FAR
Known for reliance on the South American market, the Brazilians’ signings in the current transfer window are all South African stars. Thabo Cele, Siyanda Ndlovu and Van Rooyen came from Betway Premiership clubs.
Katlego Ntsabeleng’s loan deal from MLS side FC Dallas became a permanent move, while Cassius Mailula also came from an MLS club. Antonio van Wyk returned home from Austria.
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