Khuliso Mudau ruled out for at least six months after Achilles injury

Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Khuliso Mudau will be sidelined for at least six months after suffering a complete rupture of his Achilles tendon, coach Miguel Cardoso has confirmed.

The 31-year-old sustained the injury during Sundowns’ 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over Marumo Gallants on Wednesday. He is due to undergo surgery next Monday before beginning his rehabilitation.

The injury is a major setback for both Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, with Mudau expected to miss a crucial part of the club and international season. Sundowns are scheduled to compete in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in September and will also begin their defence of the CAF Champions League title.

Mudau will additionally be unavailable for Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Cardoso revealed the extent of the injury during an MTN8 press conference on Thursday afternoon, after speaking to the club doctor.

“Obviously it’s a big loss when you lose probably one of the best African player on the position of right back, and I can also tell because I just spoke with the doctor minutes ago that it’s confirmed a total rupture of the Achillis tendon from Khuliso Mudau and te period out is six months, no less. He will be on surgery next Monday and start the recovery process from there,” Cardoso told media during a MTN8 press conference on Thursday afternoon.

Although Mudau’s absence leaves Sundowns without one of the leading right-backs in African football, Cardoso believes the club has sufficient cover in the position.

Thapelo Morena is the most experienced alternative. The player recently marked 10 years as a Sundowns player and is also an international for Bafana Bafana. Zuko Mdunyelwa provides another option after demonstrating that he can perform effectively when given an opportunity.

“Unfortunately these things happen in football. We don’t control. We have to deal with the context and we will do it in the best way. It’s important to understand that we also have in that position one of the best right backs in the country. Thapelo Morena is an international player for Bafana Bafana and we also have Zuko who is an international player, so for the moment the trust goes on them.”

Sundowns will now prepare for Sunday’s MTN8 semi-final first leg against Golden Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium. The second leg will take place in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Tshwane club go into the tie after recording their first clean sheet of the season in the win over Marumo Gallants. That result, combined with goals from Sundowns in the 2-0 victory, will give Cardoso’s side confidence as they seek to secure a favourable advantage before the return fixture.

Mudau’s injury comes at a particularly demanding stage of Sundowns’ campaign. His defensive qualities and experience had made him an important figure for the club, while his role with Bafana Bafana means the national team will also have to manage without him during the upcoming qualifiers.