Former Polokwane City FC head coach Phuti Mohafe has explained how he turned Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Thabang Matuludi from a winger into an elite right-back.
After establishing himself as one of the Betway Premiership’s best right-backs, Matuludi secured a big-money switch to Mamelodi Sundowns before the close of the PSL transfer window in September.
The Bafana Bafana international was one of the most sought-after players in the transfer window, with Sundowns battling rivals Orlando Pirates to land the defender’s signature. Kaizer Chiefs was also said to be interested in bringing the defender to Naturena.
However, Matuludi opted to put pen to paper on a deal with Sundowns from Polokwane City, joining an already star-studded squad at the Tshwane giants.
The Limpopo-born star caught the eye of Sundowns after producing impressive performances for Rise and Shine, contributing effectively in both defence and attack. Matuludi amassed over 120 appearances across all competitions for Polokwane City, scoring 11 goals.
WHAT MOHAFE SAID ABOUT THABANG MATULUDI’S POSITION CHANGE
His former coach, Phuti Mohafe, has reflected on the new Sundowns signing’s qualities, detailing how the 27-year-old transitioned from playing as a winger to establishing himself at right-back.
Mohafe, who recently parted ways with Marumo Gallants, revealed that Matuludi was converted to a right-back position at Dolphins FC in the Limpopo ABC Motsepe League.
“I think a lot of people might not know that Matuludi played as a natural winger in the early days of his career,” Phuti Mohafe told FARPost.
“I converted him from winger to right-back a few years ago in the club called Dolphins FC in the Limpopo ABC Motsepe League. And I remember we went to play the [ABC Motsepe League National] playoffs in Mpumalanga. We had only one right-back, and we moved Matuludi there; he played his best football in that position.
“So I invited [Willy] Moloto from Polokwane City to come and watch him. And I’m proud of where he’s coming from. We still talk to this day. I watch his games and tell him where he can improve and what he has done right. That’s how he grows as a player and how I grow as a coach.”
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