Sundowns face right-back dilemma after Mudau suffers Achilles injury

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says his side must now rely on the depth of their squad after Khuliso Mudau was ruled out for at least six months with a ruptured Achilles.

Mudau was carried off on a stretcher shortly before half-time during Sundowns’ 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants on Wednesday. The defender was replaced by Zuko Mdunyelwa, with subsequent examinations confirming the seriousness of the injury.

The setback leaves Sundowns facing a shortage of options at right-back as they prepare for the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final against Golden Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.

Thapelo Morena has been an important player for the club in that position, while Mdunyelwa is now expected to receive greater responsibility. Cardoso said Sundowns have other quality players who can step forward, even though some have not had regular opportunities to establish themselves.

“We have two players in that position obviously, Morena and Zuko. Obviously you saw how important Thapelo was last season in the (CAF) Champions League and how we missed him in terms of managing certain contexts, in matches where his experience is important, because we also use him higher up the pitch, especially when Mudau was inverted in the centre of the pitch, especially against the strongest teams in African competition,” Cardoso told reporters at a press conference held at the MTN headquarters in Randburg on Thursday.

Morena’s ability to operate further forward has added to his value for Sundowns, particularly in matches where Mudau moved into a central role. His experience was also regarded as especially important during the club’s CAF Champions League campaign last season.

Cardoso said the limited playing time given to some squad members should not be interpreted as a lack of ability or preparation. Instead, he believes players can remain ready while waiting for the right circumstances to arise.

“But sometimes players are not promoted not because they are not ready but because there’s no opportunity. I always say, regarding youngsters, in this case they are not young players. But for the ‘young player’ (players not used regularly) to appear, not only he needs to be in a good level of readiness but also there must be an opportunity for him to appear.

“Sometimes there are positions in the club where there’s one, two experienced players, they don’t get a chance and in this case there will be chances for others for sure. The next match will also allow us to have a better position on that. We do have quality right backs,” the Portuguese coach said.

Mudau’s absence represents a significant blow for Sundowns, who have largely depended on him and Morena at right-back. The club’s upcoming fixtures will offer Cardoso a clearer indication of which alternatives can provide the required level of performance while Mudau begins his lengthy recovery.

The injury also comes at a crucial point in the domestic season, with Sundowns preparing to face Golden Arrows in the MTN8 semi-final and attempting to maintain their strength across several competitions.