Mamelodi Sundowns close in on Thabang Matuludi transfer from Polokwane City

Mamelodi Sundowns have reached an agreement in principle to sign Polokwane City right-back Thabang Matuludi, according to SABC Sport sources.

The proposed move is not yet complete, with the remaining details still needing to be settled before the transfer can be formally concluded. However, the Bafana Bafana defender is increasingly expected to join the South African champions at Chloorkop before the transfer window closes.

Sundowns have been monitoring Matuludi for some time. Their interest intensified after Khuliso Mudau suffered a long-term injury, prompting the club to make an approach to Polokwane City, also known as Rise and Shine.

At that stage, City’s valuation of Matuludi was viewed as too high by Sundowns. The Brazilians instead moved to sign Deano Van Rooyen as an emergency solution to their defensive needs.

The circumstances have since shifted. Matuludi has found regular first-team football harder to secure at Polokwane City, while the club is now understood to be more willing to consider his departure. That change has helped Sundowns move closer to an agreement for the 27-year-old.

Orlando Pirates had also expressed an interest in the defender, according to the public broadcaster. The Soweto club now appears to have missed out, with Matuludi edging towards a move to Sundowns.

The potential transfer comes as Sundowns continue to strengthen their squad during the final weeks of the window. The club have already brought in Van Rooyen and are understood to have agreed a deal with former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele.

Sundowns had initially focused on recruiting players from overseas, but their recent activity has centred increasingly on domestic additions. That change of approach has raised internal questions about whether the club is acting too quickly, with some concerns that the late movement could represent panic buying.

The transfer window is due to close on 21 September, leaving Sundowns with limited time to complete their remaining business. Matuludi’s ability to operate in different roles, together with his experience at international level, has made him an appealing option for a team facing a demanding schedule.

Sundowns are competing across the Betway Premiership, domestic cup competitions and the CAF Champions League. The club therefore sees defensive depth as particularly important as matches accumulate across several fronts.

Matuludi has been part of the Bafana Bafana set-up and has represented South Africa at both the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. He did not play in either tournament, but his inclusion in those squads adds to his international experience.

For now, the agreement remains conditional on the final terms being resolved. If those details are completed, Matuludi will become the latest domestic player to join the Sundowns squad during an increasingly active transfer window.