Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeping coach Kennedy Mweene has explained how the club’s dressing-room culture has helped new signing Thabang Matuludi come out of his shell and settle quickly at Chloorkop.
The Bafana Bafana defender joined Sundowns from Polokwane City FC in September. The transfer ended weeks of speculation that Matuludi was headed to Orlando Pirates, who were looking for a right-back.
Masandawana moved swiftly to secure the 27-year-old following a long-term injury to Khuliso Mudau. Justifying coach Miguel Cardoso’s faith in him, Matuludi has featured in three matches so far, including helping the Brazilians lift the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup and the MTN8.
The move to Masandawana has also helped him maintain his place in the Bafana setup, and he played 90 minutes when South Africa edged Egypt in an international friendly match in early October.
MWEENE ON HOW MATULUDI QUICKLY INTEGRATED AT SUNDOWNS
Mweene has taken time to describe the surroundings at Sundowns that help new arrivals adapt seamlessly.
“I read somewhere on social media, and I saw it myself. I saw Matuludi turning like this [gesticulating bodybuilding moves],” said Mweene on the Mamelodi Sundowns Pitchside Podcast.
“We were doing recovery at the swimming pool after the game against Pirates. He was doing like a bodybuilder. Then someone asked, ‘What happens when someone goes through those gates at Chloorkop?’
“It’s like they are crazy. I will tell the Sundowns family that that changing room is not normal. The minute you enter, the virus catches you.
“It’s easy because they let you be who you are. These are the guys in the changing room. They let you be who you are; they make you come out of your shell quicker.
“I didn’t know that Matuludi was like that. But when I saw it, I was busy laughing. I saw another one when he was with the national team, tucking in [mimicking Pirates striker Yanela] Mbuthuma,” the 2012 AFCON winner with Zambia continued.
“Things are coming out, and this is what we want because when you have a player like that, and he is joking, it means he jokes with everyone. He makes jokes with everyone, which is good, and it helps him integrate very quickly.”
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