Polokwane City FC defender Tlou Nkwe has opened up about how seeing his best friend and former teammate Thabang Matuludi secure a dream move to Mamelodi Sundowns is driving his own ambitions.

Matuludi recently completed a high-profile transfer to the Chloorkop side on a three-year deal, ending a successful five-season stint with the Limpopo outfit, Polokwane City.

The Bafana Bafana defender had made a name for himself in the Betway Premiership at Polokwane City after joining the club from SAFA Limpopo ABC Motsepe League side The Dolphins FC during the 2021/22 season.

Speaking during the Carling Knockout Cup media day in Polokwane on Wednesday, Nkwe, who joined Polokwane City from now-defunct Pretoria Callies in 2023, admitted that Matuludi’s move affected the Polokwane-based side a bit.

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“Yeah, we are really [close], he’s still my friend, we are best friends,” Nkwe told journalists at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

“So, yeah, it really did affect us a bit, but so far we also have the right replacement for him. So, it’s just a matter of getting used to the playing style and, yeah, I think we’ll be fine going forward. He was a big asset for us, but right now we just have to adjust ourselves and say, ‘we can do this’.”

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The 26-year-old Nkwe added that he aspires to reach the same heights as his close friend Matuludi. The left-back has previously attracted interest from clubs including Kaizer Chiefs, though a move failed to materialise.

“I’m very happy for him [Matuludi] because he is a great player, a good person. I actually draw motivation from him that things are actually possible with God and also maybe one day, you never know, God willing, I might also find myself in that stage,” he added.

With players like Oswin Appollis and Matuludi having made a name for themselves at PLK City, Nkwe acknowledges that the environment allows players to flourish.

“Polokwane City is a very good environment for growth, to learn; it actually gives us time to explore, you know, to even play our football,” he continued.  “So, I do believe at the right time, at the right moment, God willing though, and if the right offer [comes], I think the club will have to decide on that.”

Polokwane City are set to host Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout Cup Last 16 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening, with Nkwe eager to make a strong impression.