Bafana defender caught up in deepening suspense at club
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Thabang Matuludi’s start to the new season has been accompanied by darkness amid transfer and contract talks.
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Bafana defender caught up in deepening suspense at club
Aug 19, 2026 – 01:28 pm
By Lovemore Moyo
Thabang Matuludi’s return from the 2026 FIFA World Cup hasn’t brought him the joy which was anticipated with his career now on a mini freeze.
Matuludi was included in the Bafana squad that reached the knockout stages at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time.
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Though he never got any minutes at the tournament that ends on Sunday, both his transfer and contract weight are now heavier.
For now, while there have been enquiries following on interest from the clubs in Gauteng, the 27-year-old has concerns to deal with it.
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Matuludi is yet to play despite having already been back at training with the club for over a month since the World Cup though he had a minor injury in his first week back in mid-July.
For the first against Richards Bay, he was serving the second of his two-match suspension for the red card he got in the penultimate match of last season.
Then for the last three against Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch, and Sekhukhune United he has been available.
This website has gathered that ahead of the most recent game last Saturday against Sekhukhune, he was in Willy Moloto’s plans to play.
Training drills were done with Matuludi featuring in the first XI.
However, in the last session before the game he was dropped leaving him cutting a figure of frustration.
However, what is known is that there have been transfer-related talks in between contract discussions.
Matuludi is believed to be in the last 12 months of his contract at the club.
Transfer and contract-related matters at Polokwane go via club boss Johnny Mogaladi – an astute businessman known to stand his ground with his beliefs.
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Matuludi has only ever played for Polokwane since his arrival in the professional ranks from Limpopo ABC Motsepe League club The Dolphins six years ago while Rise and Shine were in the First Division.
Polokwane are already due to receive an estimated gross of R2,9 million from the FIFA Club Benefits Programme for the right-back’s selection into the World Cup squad.