Former Bafana Bafana star Teko Modise has urged Mamelodi Sundowns defender Thabang Matuludi to make the most of his opportunity at right-back while Khuliso Mudau remains sidelined through injury. Matuludi has made an encouraging start since joining the Brazilians, but the competition for places at the club means he cannot afford to become complacent. With Mudau expected to spend an extended period recovering from a serious Achilles tendon injury, the new signing has an opportunity to strengthen his position under head coach Miguel Cardoso. Modise believes Matuludi has the quality to compete with the best right-backs in the country and should use his current opportunity to establish himself as a regular starter. His challenge will be to maintain his performances even when Sundowns’ injured defenders return and the competition for selection becomes more intense.

Matuludi completed his high-profile move to Mamelodi Sundowns on September 11, signing a three-year contract with the Tshwane giants. The transfer marked an important step in the career of the 27-year-old defender, who has been given an opportunity to prove himself at one of South African football’s most competitive clubs. Since arriving at Chloorkop, he has made two official appearances and provided one assist, showing early signs of his ability to contribute to the team’s attacking play. His arrival has also placed him in direct competition with several established players who are fighting for limited opportunities in Cardoso’s squad. Although his early performances have attracted attention, Matuludi still has plenty to prove before he can be regarded as the undisputed first choice at right-back.

Modise shared his thoughts on Matuludi’s move and the importance of having quality teammates around him during an appearance on the 2 Touch Podcast. The former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder believes Matuludi has long possessed the ability required to succeed at the highest level of South African football. However, joining a club with Sundowns’ resources and quality gives a player a different environment in which to develop and compete for major honours. Modise suggested that Matuludi needed the right team around him to maximise his potential and take the next step in his career. His comments reflect the demands placed on players at Sundowns, where strong individual ability must be matched by consistent performances and the ability to handle competition.

Matuludi’s arrival at Sundowns has also brought the possibility of winning trophies closer, although sustaining success will require more than a promising start. Modise pointed to the defender’s early experience of success and suggested that tasting glory can create an appetite for further achievements. He noted that Matuludi may not have expected events to unfold so quickly after joining the club, but the opportunity to compete for silverware can raise a player’s ambitions. Sundowns have built a reputation for challenging for domestic honours and competing in continental competitions, making every position in the squad valuable. For Matuludi, the next step is to turn his early opportunities into a sustained run of performances that keeps him firmly in Cardoso’s plans.

The biggest challenge facing Matuludi is the competition for the right-back position, where Mudau has established himself as a key player for both Sundowns and Bafana Bafana. Other options include Thapelo Morena, Zuko Mdunyelwa and Deano van Rooyen, giving Cardoso several choices when his squad is fully fit. Morena brings experience and attacking qualities, while the presence of other recognised defenders means Matuludi will need to continue proving his value. Mudau’s injury has created additional opportunities, but it has not removed the long-term challenge of competing against players who have already demonstrated their quality. The situation requires Matuludi to focus on his own development while making every appearance count.

Mudau suffered a complete rupture of his Achilles tendon during Sundowns’ match against Marumo Gallants on August 19, 2026. The serious injury is expected to keep him out for an extended period, with a possible return around March 2027 based on the anticipated recovery timeline. An Achilles tendon rupture can require lengthy rehabilitation, meaning the defender’s return will depend on his recovery progress and medical assessment. His absence is a significant setback for Sundowns because of his importance at club level and his standing in the national team. It also gives Matuludi a valuable period in which to build match fitness, improve his understanding of Cardoso’s tactical demands and strengthen his case for a regular starting role.

The situation has become more complicated for Cardoso because Mdunyelwa has also been affected by injury. With more than one right-back unavailable, the Sundowns coach has had to manage his defensive options carefully while keeping the team competitive across its ongoing campaigns. Matuludi’s early selection ahead of other available options has given him a chance to demonstrate that he can handle the responsibility. However, injuries alone cannot guarantee a player a permanent place in the starting line-up. Once the injured defenders return, Cardoso will have to assess form, fitness, tactical suitability and the demands of individual matches before deciding who should start.

Modise’s advice to Matuludi is centred on making the current opportunity count rather than waiting for circumstances to favour him. He believes the defender should aim to make the right-back position his own and create a genuine selection challenge when Mudau returns. That means maintaining high standards in defensive positioning, tackling, marking and recovery runs, while continuing to contribute to Sundowns’ attacking play. Matuludi will also need to demonstrate consistency, as a handful of encouraging appearances will not be enough to secure a place in a squad filled with experienced and talented players. If he can deliver reliable performances over the coming months, he could give Cardoso a difficult decision when the full squad becomes available again.

Modise also referred to a former coach’s comment that players who want to win trophies should stay at Sundowns, highlighting the club’s reputation for success. The message underlines the opportunities available to Matuludi, but it also points to the expectations that come with representing the Brazilians. At Sundowns, competition is not limited to earning a place in the starting eleven, because players must also perform well enough to remain involved across different competitions. The club’s ambitions mean that Cardoso needs dependable options who can adapt to different opponents and tactical situations. Matuludi’s ability to meet those demands will be central to whether he can move beyond being a temporary replacement and establish himself as a long-term option.

Cardoso will eventually face a difficult selection decision as Mudau and the other injured right-backs work towards returning to full fitness. Mudau’s experience and established standing make him an important part of the club’s plans, but Matuludi has the chance to strengthen his own case before that competition resumes at full strength. Morena, Mdunyelwa and van Rooyen will also be looking for opportunities, ensuring that the right-back position remains one of the areas where Sundowns have several options. The coach will need to balance loyalty to established performers with rewarding players who demonstrate strong form. That competition could benefit the team by pushing every defender to maintain high standards throughout the season.

For Matuludi, the immediate priority is to use his opportunities wisely and show that his early contributions can be sustained. Modise’s backing gives the defender a clear challenge: turn a promising start into consistent performances and make the right-back position a genuinely competitive contest when Mudau returns. His two appearances and assist provide an encouraging beginning, but the more important test will be how he performs over a longer period. With Sundowns continuing to pursue success on domestic and continental fronts, every position carries significant responsibility. If Matuludi can maintain his form, improve with each match and meet Cardoso’s expectations, he could turn Mudau’s absence into an important opportunity to establish himself at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.