Mosimane backs Matuludi call-up after defender’s first competitive appearance

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has defended selecting Thabang Matuludi for the national team despite the fullback having made only one competitive appearance this season.

The 27-year-old was included in Mosimane’s 30-man squad for the upcoming international window, even though he had not played a competitive match before joining Mamelodi Sundowns.

Matuludi finally made his season debut on Saturday in Sundowns’ African-Asian-Pacific Cup meeting with Al Ahli. He helped his side secure a 1-0 victory and provided the assist for the winning goal before reporting for national-team duty.

Mosimane said, however, that Matuludi’s inclusion had been decided before that performance and was not a reaction to his contribution against Al Ahli.

The Bafana coach said he had tracked the defender throughout pre-season and was aware of the work he had completed despite his lack of competitive minutes.

“We’ve done our research, I’ve watched him, I know he’s been training the entire pre-season, he played a few friendly games in the preseason,” Mosimane said.

He added that national-team selection was not determined only by appearances in competitive matches, with players also assessed on their work in training.

“We don’t get involved in club things and we respect clubs but a national team player is a national team player. This is also to show players that if they train and do things well, we’re watching. We knew what was happening but we don’t just pick Matuludi arrogantly because we want to pick Matuludi.”

Mosimane revealed that his interest in the defender began before he returned to the Bafana Bafana job.

“I’ve been following Matuludi all the way, ever since I’ve been given the opportunity to be Bafana coach and long before I signed the contract.”

Matuludi’s selection gives South Africa another option at right-back while regular choice Khuliso Mudau is unavailable for a long time.

Bafana face Guinea in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Stadium on September 26. They will then travel to Egypt to play Eritrea four days later, before meeting Egypt in a friendly on October 4.

The three fixtures will give Mosimane the opportunity to assess his 30-man squad and begin implementing his ideas. Matuludi’s immediate impact on his return to competitive football has also provided a timely boost as he begins his latest spell with the national team.