Teko Modise urges Thabang Matuludi to seize Sundowns opportunity

Former Bafana Bafana international Teko Modise has urged new Mamelodi Sundowns signing Thabang Matuludi to establish himself at right-back before Khuliso Mudau returns from a serious injury.

Matuludi joined the Brazilians on 11 September, signing a lucrative three-year contract. The 27-year-old defender has made an immediate impact under head coach Miguel Cardoso, recording two official appearances and one assist since his move.

He has been selected ahead of Sundowns’ other right-back options, including Thapelo Morena, Zuko Mdunyelwa and Deano van Rooyen. However, Matuludi is still generally viewed as the second choice behind Bafana Bafana star Mudau, while Mdunyelwa is understood to sit behind Mudau in the club’s wider pecking order when everyone is fit.

Mudau’s absence has created an opportunity for Matuludi after the defender suffered a complete rupture of his Achilles tendon against Marumo Gallants on 19 August 2026. He is expected to be out for approximately six months, with a possible return around March 2027.

Mdunyelwa has also suffered an injury, further reducing Cardoso’s options at right-back and giving Matuludi an extended chance to impress.

Modise believes the new signing must take full advantage of the situation.

“We always knew that Matuludi is one of the best right-backs in the country and for me, I have always felt that sometimes as a good player, you just need other good players around you,” Modise said on the2 Touch Podcast.

“He needed a good team. When he came through, within a space of one month, lifting two trophies – and I’m sure it’s not the script that he wrote. He never thought of that happening.

“As he has tasted glory as quickly as possible, I’m sure he wants more. I know he knows and understands that with the role he plays, the competition is very tough and he should make [the right back position] his own now and make sure that when Mudau comes back, it’s a very competitive space.

“There’s a previous coach of ours that said, ‘If you want trophies, stay here,’” he added.

Sundowns’ ongoing domestic and continental campaigns mean the club has yet to add any trophies this season, despite Matuludi’s two appearances and one assist.

Cardoso will face a difficult selection decision once Mudau, Mdunyelwa and the rest of the right-back group have regained full fitness. The Portuguese coach has considerable quality available in the position, leaving Matuludi with the task of maintaining his current form and proving he belongs in the side before the established order is restored.