Mohafe tips Polokwane City's Thabang Matuludi to give Mudau a run for his money at Bafana

Polokwane City coach Phuthi Mohafe has tipped his dependable full-back Thabang Matuludi to become a long-term fixture in the Bafana Bafana setup as competition for the right-back position intensifies.

The 26-year-old defender returns to the national team after a lengthy injury layoff, coinciding with the comeback of first-choice right back Khuliso Mudau. 

The Mamelodi Sundowns star missed the previous international camp after club issues saw him lose game time, prompting coach Hugo Broos to omit him from the squad.

In Mudau’s absence, Broos turned to Sekhukhune United’s Nyiko Mobbie for the two World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria. 

However, Mobbie picked up an injury in the clash against Lesotho, forcing the technical team to call up Sundowns’ Zuko Mdunyelwa as his replacement. Mdunyelwa started against the Super Eagles but limped off late in the match, allowing Kaizer Chiefs’ Thabiso Monyane a brief run-out.

Bafana will play two crucial World Cup qualifying matches in the next ten days first against Zimbabwe on Friday at Moses Mabhida Stadium before closing off their campaign against Rwanda next Tuesday.

With that uncertainty in the right-back role, Mohafe believes Matuludi’s return comes at the perfect time. 

“I think Mudau is three or four years older than Matuludi and he (Matuludi) is a good competitor and he will give Mudau a run for his money,” Mohafe said confidently.

The Rise and Shine coach has never hidden his admiration for Matuludi’s ability and consistency, often highlighting his defensive discipline and attacking contribution down the flank. 

“I’ve always reiterated that Matuludi is the second-best right back in the country, so I will not mention who comes after him. He is the second-best right back the country has ever produced,” he said.

Mohafe added that the full-back’s commitment and attitude have set him apart since recovering from injury. 

“I’m a man that’s constantly speaking to his players and I told him that if it’s possible to go and represent the country, he must represent himself first, then the team and then the nation. He promised that he will always give his best.”

Matuludi’s inclusion offers Broos a reliable option in a position that has seen constant rotation in recent months. 

His ability to balance defensive solidity with attacking intent could make him a valuable asset as Bafana prepare for the next phase of World Cup qualifying.

For Mohafe, there’s no doubt his player belongs on the international stage — and with consistent performances, Matuludi could soon give Mudau real competition for the Bafana No.2 jersey.