COMMENT: Khuliso Mudau blow bigger for Bafana than Mamelodi Sundowns

Khuliso Mudau’s achilles injury is a major setback for Mamelodi Sundowns, but its impact could be even greater for Bafana Bafana with the start of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign now only a month away.

The right-back ruptured his achilles against Marumo Gallants in midweek and is reportedly facing at least six to seven months on the sidelines.

For Sundowns, losing one of their most experienced players is undoubtedly significant. But Miguel Cardoso has the depth to find alternatives.

Bafana do not have the same luxury.

Mudau was one of South Africa’s most important players during their historic World Cup campaign, and replacing him is made even more difficult by the uncertainty surrounding his deputy.

Thabang Matuludi was Mudau’s understudy in the Bafana squad at the World Cup, but the 27-year-old is yet to play a minute of football this season.

His ongoing contractual dispute with Polokwane City has left him on the sidelines, meaning the national team could potentially enter the September qualifiers without either of the players who occupied the right-back position at the World Cup.

That is a serious concern.

And it comes at a particularly awkward time for Bafana, who are also yet to have clarity over their next permanent head coach.

Discussions between SAFA and Pitso Mosimane over the vacant position have reportedly reached an impasse, leaving the national team facing uncertainty in the dugout while its squad is being hit by injuries.

South Africa are scheduled to host Guinea between September 23 and 25 before travelling to Asmara to face Eritrea between September 27 and 29.

The qualifiers are now only a month away.

At least seven players who were part of Bafana’s historic World Cup campaign are currently dealing with injury concerns, with at least five having started matches at the tournament.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi is among the biggest concerns after starting all four of Bafana’s matches at the World Cup.

Evidence Makgopa is also facing a spell on the sidelines, while Thalente Mbatha is dealing with an injury of his own.

Teboho Mokoena’s fitness will also need to be monitored closely given his importance to the midfield.

Khulumani Ndamane and Tshepang Moremi are among the other players nursing injuries.

Then there is the heartbreaking loss of Jayden Adams, who had been growing into an increasingly influential figure in the national team before his passing.

Mudau’s absence is particularly problematic because of what he offers Bafana: experience, pace, defensive strength and the ability to contribute going forward.

Sundowns can reshuffle.

Bafana may have to rebuild an entire position while simultaneously dealing with uncertainty over who will lead them into the qualifiers.

And with Matuludi not playing, the national team’s right-back problem is suddenly much bigger than simply finding a replacement for Mudau.

@SmisoMsomi

IOL Sport

* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.

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