Polokwane City boss Willy Moloto wishes Thabang Matuludi well after Mamelodi Sundowns move

Polokwane City manager Willy Moloto has wished former right-back Thabang Matuludi well after the defender joined two-time African champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

The 27-year-old completed his move to Sundowns last week, ending a spell in which he had also attracted sustained interest from Orlando Pirates over several transfer windows.

Matuludi was an important player for Polokwane City during his five seasons with the club. He helped the Limpopo side secure promotion back to the top flight and played a role in three successive top-eight finishes.

However, the Bafana Bafana international had not featured for City in the current campaign. Moloto previously told the media that Matuludi was not being selected because of rotation and because other players were performing better, while also stating that the defender would remain with the club until the end of the season.

After Saturday’s 1-1 Betway Premiership draw with Kaizer Chiefs at home, Moloto was asked about the apparent change in circumstances. The coach laughed off the question before offering Matuludi his best wishes.

“That is another issue, my brother. Chiefs also lost [Thabo] Cele to Sundowns, but what I can say to Thabang is all the best, son,” Moloto said.

The coach also praised Matuludi’s development and highlighted Polokwane City’s record of identifying players who go on to make an impact.

“I think the young man has been doing well,” he added.

“If you look at Polokwane City, it is a team that produces the unknown.

“As I said in my last interview, there is a gem that we are working with. You can see that [Tshepang] Matube is one for the future, and I think he is another player we will see in the future at right-back.”