Khuliso Mudau set to miss six months after Achilles injury at Sundowns

Khuliso Mudau is expected to be sidelined for six months after Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed the defender has ruptured his Achilles tendon.

Mudau was stretchered from the field on Wednesday, prompting fears about the seriousness of the injury. Those concerns have now been confirmed, with the 29-year-old facing a lengthy period on the sidelines.

The Sundowns player is due to undergo surgery on Monday. If his recovery follows the expected timeline, he will not be available for selection again until March.

The injury is a major setback for a player who has become an important figure at both club and international level. Mudau is currently in his seventh season with Sundowns and has established himself as an influential member of the Tshwane side during that time.

He has also played a significant role for Bafana Bafana, making his absence a concern beyond his club commitments.

Cardoso provided the latest update on Mudau’s condition after the Achilles tendon rupture was diagnosed. The Sundowns coach confirmed both the nature of the injury and the planned operation, bringing clarity to the situation after the player was taken from the pitch on a stretcher.

Mudau’s anticipated return in March means Sundowns will have to manage a substantial part of the season without one of their established players. His rehabilitation will begin after Monday’s surgery, with the six-month estimate placing his next opportunity for selection in March.

The defender’s injury represents the latest difficult development for a player who has grown in importance since joining Sundowns. Across seven seasons, he has progressed from being part of the squad to becoming an influential presence for the club and Bafana Bafana.

For now, his immediate focus will be the operation and the recovery process that follows. Sundowns will have to wait until the new year before assessing when he can return to full training and competitive action, while the expected March date remains the point at which he could again be considered for selection.

Mudau was injured on Wednesday and was unable to continue, requiring assistance from the field. Cardoso’s confirmation has since established the extent of the damage and the likely length of his absence.

The update means the initial fears surrounding the injury have become reality: Mudau will miss approximately six months and must first undergo surgery before beginning his rehabilitation.

Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images

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