Mohafe Claims Matuludi is SA's Second-Best Right-Back

Polokwane City coach Phuti Mohafe believes his defender Thabang Matuludi is the second-best right-back in South Africa, insisting he can compete with the Bafana Bafana star Khuliso Mudau.

Matuludi, who spent much of last season sidelined by a long-term injury, has made a strong comeback and earned a recall to the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday (18:00) and Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday (18:00).

Mudau also returns to the national setup after missing the September qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria due to personal matters with Mamelodi Sundowns.

The former Black Leopards defender had been in contract negotiations with Sundowns after his deal expired in June, but both parties have since resolved the issue, paving the way for his return.

“I think Mudau is three or four years older than Matuludi, and he’s a strong competitor. I believe Matuludi will give him a real run for his money,” said Mohafe.

“I’ve always maintained that Matuludi is the second-best right-back in the country — and I won’t mention who’s first because everyone knows. I truly believe he’s one of the best this country has ever produced.”

Mohafe added that Matuludi is ready to compete for a starting spot under Hugo Broos, particularly ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations finals in December.

“He’s ready to challenge for that position, and he’s doing so already. I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes the number one right-back in the competition we’re going to play,” he said.

“If he gets a chance in the upcoming matches, I’m confident he’ll make that spot his own.”

Mohafe also praised Broos for his fair and merit-based selection policy, which was cited as the example of Oswin Appollis, who earned a national team call-up while still playing for Polokwane before joining Orlando Pirates in the off-season.

“That’s what I admire about coach Broos — he rewards performance, not reputation,” said Mohafe.

“The days of only picking players from big clubs are over. He’s giving everyone a fair chance to represent their country, and I think that’s great for South African football.”