Mamelodi Sundowns defender Khuliso Mudau faces lengthy absence with Achilles injury

Khuliso Mudau could miss the rest of the season after suffering a suspected Achilles rupture during Mamelodi Sundowns’ 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld.

The injury is a major setback for both Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, with Mudau regarded as one of the most consistent performers for club and country. Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso said the 31-year-old will be assessed by specialists before undergoing surgery as he begins what is expected to be a lengthy rehabilitation.

“Unfortunately, today we got a severe injury to Kuliso Mudau. He will be out for sure for a long, long, long, long time. It’s an Achilles rupture, so tomorrow he will be seen by the specialist and surgeon and the day after that, so that we can start the recovery process. But that we can’t control.

“It wasn’t even an action, he was alone. So there was no contact; it was not a tackle with an opponent. It happens, as accidents happen in car races also; in football, sometimes injuries like this happen. We work to avoid them, but we don’t control [it],” Cardoso told the media after the match.

Mudau was not involved in a challenge when the injury occurred. There was no contact with an opponent and no tackle, making the incident particularly difficult to predict or prevent.

Achilles injuries can happen without warning, even when clubs have comprehensive medical and conditioning programmes in place. The nature of Mudau’s injury will make the recovery difficult both physically and psychologically, with such ruptures typically requiring at least eight months away from competitive football. Some players have needed as long as a year to return to full fitness.

For Sundowns, Mudau’s absence leaves an immediate problem at right-back. He has become a key figure in the team’s defence, combining defensive reliability with the ability to support attacks from the flank.

Cardoso and his technical staff must now find suitable cover for the remainder of the season. The severity of the injury means Sundowns will lose one of their most dependable players at a crucial stage of the campaign.

The setback is also significant for Bafana Bafana manager Hugo Broos. Mudau has established himself as a regular starter for the South Africa national team and will now be unavailable for upcoming international fixtures.

Broos will therefore have to reconsider his defensive options while Mudau completes his treatment and rehabilitation. The final prognosis will depend on the specialist assessments and surgery, but Cardoso’s initial comments indicate that Sundowns should prepare for a prolonged absence.

The injury came during a match Sundowns won 2-0 against Marumo Gallants, but Mudau’s setback overshadowed the result and left the club and national team facing the loss of a highly trusted defender.