Khuliso Mudau faces lengthy absence after rupturing Achilles tendon

Khuliso Mudau is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles tendon during Mamelodi Sundowns’ 2-0 win over Marumo Gallants in the South African league on Wednesday.

The South Africa international was injured during the match, despite there being no contact with an opposing player.

Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso confirmed the seriousness of the injury after the final whistle.

“Unfortunately, Khuliso Mudau suffered a serious injury today and will definitely be out for a very long time,” said the Portuguese coach.

“The injury is a rupture of the Achilles tendon. On Thursday, he will undergo examinations with the specialist doctor and the surgeon, and after that we can begin the recovery process.”

Cardoso said Mudau was on his own when the injury occurred and had not been challenged by a Marumo Gallants player.

“It happened in a situation when he was alone; there was no contact or intervention from an opposing player,” he said. “Sometimes these injuries happen, like accidents in motor racing. We always try to avoid them, but we do not control them.”

Mudau has been an important part of the Mamelodi Sundowns defence in recent years and is a regular member of the South Africa squad. He has also represented his country at the World Cup.

The timing of the injury is particularly difficult for the 30-year-old, with South Africa expected to appoint a new head coach soon. Mudau had been regarded as a player likely to remain part of the plans for Bafana Bafana.

Achilles tendon injuries generally require a lengthy rehabilitation period and can keep a player out for several months. However, the exact length of Mudau’s absence will not be known until he has completed the necessary assessments with the specialists.

Mamelodi Sundowns will now have to prepare for the next stage of the season without one of their leading defenders, while the club waits for further updates on Mudau’s condition and a clearer indication of when he might return to action.

The injury came in a match Sundowns won 2-0 against Marumo Gallants, but Mudau’s setback overshadowed the result. His diagnosis means the defender faces a long recovery before he can resume training and playing, with the medical examinations scheduled for Thursday expected to provide more information about the damage and the rehabilitation process.