Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has defended his decision to include Thabang Matuludi in his final squad despite the defender having only recently made his first competitive appearance of the season. Matuludi was named in Mosimane’s 30-man squad for the upcoming international window. The 27-year-old made his debut for Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s African-Asian-Pacific Cup clash against Al Ahli, playing a role in the 1-0 victory.
Mosimane insists Matuludi’s selection was not based solely on his latest performance. The Bafana coach revealed that he had been monitoring the defender throughout pre-season and was aware of his preparation despite his lack of competitive minutes. Mosimane said he had watched Matuludi and knew he had been training the entire pre-season and playing a few friendly games.
Mosimane stressed that selection is based on what happens beyond competitive matches, with training performances also forming part of his assessment. He said the national team does not get involved in club matters but a national team player is a national team player. Mosimane added that this is also to show players that if they train and do things well, they are being watched.
The coach revealed that his interest in Matuludi stretches back further than his return to the Bafana job. Mosimane said he has been following Matuludi all the way, ever since he was given the opportunity to be Bafana coach and long before he signed the contract. This indicates that Matuludi’s selection was a well-considered decision.
Matuludi’s inclusion could give Mosimane another option at right-back as he prepares Bafana for their upcoming international fixtures. Regular right-back Khuliso Mudau is out for a long time, and Matuludi’s selection provides an alternative. South Africa face Guinea in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Stadium on September 26.
Bafana will then travel to Egypt to face Eritrea four days later, and finally face Egypt in a friendly on October 4. These matches will give Mosimane three opportunities to assess his squad and introduce his ideas. For Matuludi, the timing of his Sundowns debut could hardly have been better, having provided an immediate contribution before reporting for national-team duty.
Matuludi's debut for Sundowns saw him provide an assist for the winning goal in their 1-0 victory over Al Ahli. This performance likely reinforced Mosimane's decision to select him for the national team. The upcoming international window will be crucial for Matuludi to prove himself at the international level.
Key points
- Pitso Mosimane has defended his selection of Thabang Matuludi for Bafana Bafana despite limited game time.
- Mosimane's decision was based on Matuludi's performance in pre-season and training.
- Matuludi's selection provides another option for Mosimane at right-back.
