Khuliso Mudau injury leaves Bafana Bafana facing major right-back problem

Khuliso Mudau’s Achilles injury could hurt Bafana Bafana more than Mamelodi Sundowns, with South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign due to begin in about a month.

Mudau ruptured his Achilles during Mamelodi Sundowns’ midweek match against Marumo Gallants and is reportedly expected to miss at least six to seven months.

The injury is a significant blow for Sundowns, who will lose one of their most experienced players. However, coach Miguel Cardoso has a strong enough squad to consider several alternatives and reorganise his team.

Bafana Bafana do not have the same depth at right-back, and Mudau’s absence has exposed a problem that extends beyond replacing one player.

The 30-year-old was one of South Africa’s key performers during their historic World Cup campaign. His loss is particularly damaging because he provides experience, pace, defensive resilience and an attacking threat from the right side.

The national team’s difficulty is increased by the uncertain status of Thabang Matuludi, who was Mudau’s deputy in the squad at the World Cup.

Matuludi, 27, has not played a minute of football this season. A continuing contractual dispute with Polokwane City has kept him on the sidelines, raising the possibility that Bafana Bafana could begin their September qualifiers without either of the players who filled the right-back role at the World Cup.

That leaves South Africa facing a major selection concern at one position while the team is also waiting for a permanent head coach to be appointed.

Discussions between the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Pitso Mosimane over the vacant role have reportedly reached an impasse. The national side therefore faces uncertainty both in defence and in the dugout as injuries continue to affect the squad.

South Africa are scheduled to host Guinea between 23 and 25 September before travelling to Asmara to play Eritrea between 27 and 29 September. The qualifying matches are now only a month away.

Mudau is one of at least seven players involved in Bafana Bafana’s historic World Cup campaign who are currently dealing with injury concerns. At least five of those players started matches at the tournament.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi is among the most serious concerns after starting all four of South Africa’s World Cup games. Evidence Makgopa is also facing a period on the sidelines, while Thalente Mbatha has an injury problem of his own.

The fitness of Teboho Mokoena will need to be monitored closely because of his importance in midfield. Khulumani Ndamane and Tshepang Moremi are also recovering from injuries.

Bafana Bafana must additionally deal with the heartbreaking loss of Jayden Adams, who had been becoming an increasingly influential member of the national team before his passing.

Mamelodi Sundowns can respond to Mudau’s absence by reshuffling their squad. South Africa, by contrast, may need to rebuild an entire position while trying to resolve who will lead the team into the qualifiers.

With Matuludi unavailable for selection because he is not playing, the right-back issue facing Bafana Bafana is now far more serious than simply finding a replacement for Mudau.