Matuludi’s Bafana Bafana hopes tested by lack of game time

Thabang Matuludi’s uncertain position at Polokwane City could affect his hopes of earning a place in the Bafana Bafana squad when South Africa return to Africa Cup of Nations qualifying action.

The 27-year-old right-back was included in Hugo Broos’ squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, where he was among the players providing cover for first-choice right-back Khuliso Mudau.

However, Matuludi has yet to feature for Polokwane City in any of their four matches this season.

His absence has come while uncertainty continues to surround his future at Rise and Shine. Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have both been linked with a move for the defender, although neither proposed transfer has been completed.

Matuludi remains a Polokwane City player, but the ongoing situation has added interest to his position at a time when his international prospects could become more significant.

Mudau is now expected to miss about six months after suffering an injury, according to his club’s head coach, Miguel Cardoso. The absence of the Brazilian right-back creates an opening in the Bafana Bafana squad ahead of the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Matuludi would have been one of the players in contention to take advantage of that opportunity. His inclusion in South Africa’s FIFA World Cup squad earlier this year means he is already known to the national-team set-up and has previously been considered a viable option at right-back.

But his lack of competitive action may now work against him as the new Bafana Bafana technical team assess their choices.

There is no certainty that Matuludi will be left out. His previous involvement with the national side keeps him in the conversation, particularly with Mudau facing a lengthy period on the sidelines.

Regular football, however, is likely to be an important factor as South Africa prepare for their next Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. Matuludi’s current lack of appearances for Polokwane City means he may need to regain his place in the team before he can strengthen his case for a return to the national squad.

For now, neither a move to Orlando Pirates nor a transfer to Mamelodi Sundowns has materialised, leaving Matuludi at Polokwane City and without a competitive appearance this season.

That combination of uncertainty over his club future and limited playing time comes at a difficult moment for the defender. With a place available because of Mudau’s injury, Matuludi’s World Cup involvement could have positioned him as a natural candidate. Instead, the new Bafana Bafana technical team must weigh his international experience against the fact that he has not played in Polokwane City’s opening four fixtures.

His chances therefore remain open, but the situation represents a significant test of his ambitions with South Africa.