Thabang Matuludi: Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in transfer battle for Polokwane City and Bafana defender

Polokwane City defender Thabang Matuludi has become the subject of an intense tug-of-war between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, with the next few days expected to determine whether the Bafana Bafana full-back moves before the new season kicks off.

The 26-year-old, who was part of South Africa’s squad at the 2026 World Cup, is entering the final year of his contract at Polokwane, a situation that has accelerated negotiations and placed pressure on his club to decide whether to cash in now or risk losing him for nothing.

Both Pirates and Sundowns have formally tabled offers and are awaiting a final decision from Polokwane City chairman Jonny Mogaladi, who is understood to have accepted that Matuludi will leave.

Chairman weighing up rival offers

Sources close to Polokwane City say Mogaladi has already agreed in principle to sell the right-back, but is carefully considering which proposal best suits both the player and the club.

“The boss wants a little bit of space to choose the right offer for both the player and the club.

“He has agreed to sell the player and he is expected to leave the club,” said a source.

It is believed that both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have intensified their pursuit of Matuludi in recent days, with personal terms and game-time assurances likely to play a role alongside the transfer fee.

Matuludi, who has established himself as one of the more consistent full-backs in the DStv Premiership, has been a regular for Rise and Shine and is seen as a key asset in both defensive solidity and attacking support from wide areas.

Contract situation driving transfer urgency

According to information gathered by South African football outlet KickOff, Matuludi has just one year remaining on his current deal with Polokwane City. This contractual position is a crucial factor pushing the club towards a sale now rather than holding on until the January transfer window.

If Polokwane do not agree a transfer in this window, Matuludi would be free to negotiate a pre-contract with any club from January, potentially leaving on a free transfer at the end of the 2026/27 season.

That risk has influenced Mogaladi’s stance, with the chairman seemingly resigned to losing the player but determined to secure a fee that reflects his importance and international status.

Pirates seek response after Ndlovu setback

The chase for Matuludi comes after Orlando Pirates missed out on Siyanda Ndlovu, another highly rated wide player, who opted to join Mamelodi Sundowns despite undergoing a medical with the Soweto side.

Bucs had been confident of landing Ndlovu, but the winger made a late change of heart and signed for The Brazilians, heading to Chloorkop “a couple of weeks back”. That episode has added an extra edge to the current contest for Matuludi’s signature, with Pirates eager not to lose another key target to their Pretoria rivals.

Sundowns, for their part, are continuing their policy of building strong depth across all positions as they look to compete on multiple fronts domestically and in continental competition.

World Cup squad member yet to play at finals

Matuludi’s stock has risen since his inclusion in the Bafana Bafana squad that travelled to the 2026 World Cup. Although he did not feature on the pitch during the tournament, his selection underlines the regard in which he is held by the national team set-up.

Being associated with a World Cup squad, even without minutes, has added to his profile and made him an even more attractive proposition for South Africa’s biggest clubs.

With pre-season preparations under way and the 2026/27 campaign approaching, a decision from Polokwane City is expected soon. Once Mogaladi chooses between the offers on the table, the future of one of the league’s most sought-after full-backs is likely to be resolved swiftly.