Cardoso confirms six-month Mudau absence after 2-0 Sundowns win

Khuliso Mudau is expected to miss six months after suffering a serious hamstring injury. Mamelodi Sundowns beat Marumo Gallants 2-0 in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday, with the South Africa international sustaining the injury during the match.

Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed the extent of the setback before Sunday’s MTN8 semi-final first leg against Golden Arrows. Scans showed a complete tear, and Mudau is scheduled to undergo surgery on Monday before starting a lengthy rehabilitation programme.

The absence removes a key option at right-back for Sundowns. Cardoso described Mudau as one of Africa’s leading players in that position and acknowledged the scale of losing him for an extended period.

Zuko Mdunyelwa and Thapelo Morena are the immediate alternatives. Both are South Africa internationals and will be trusted to cover the position while Mudau recovers. Cardoso said Sundowns would focus on managing the squad rather than allowing the injury to dictate a rushed move in the transfer market.

The coach also stressed that the team’s results would remain more important than any individual absence. Sundowns go into the Golden Arrows tie after their 2-0 league victory, but Mudau’s injury changes their options ahead of the cup fixture.

Mudau, 31, has played for Sundowns since joining from Black Leopards in the 2020/21 season. Before that move, he represented Black Leopards after spells with Magesi FC and JDR Stars FC. The right-back remains a Sundowns player with a listed market value of €1.2 million, but his next period will be centred on surgery and rehabilitation rather than matches.