Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender Khuliso Mudau is expected to miss up to six months after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed the extent of the injury on Thursday, ahead of his side’s MTN8 semi-final against Golden Arrows. Mudau was injured during Sundowns’ 2-0 league victory over Marumo Gallants on Wednesday.
Cardoso said he had spoken to the club’s medical team, who confirmed the seriousness of the problem. The defender is now expected to return to training between February and March 2027.
“I spoke to the team doctor this morning, it’s confirmed that Sailor Mudau raptured his Achilles, and he will be out of action, for up to six months,” said Cardoso.
The injury is a significant setback for Sundowns, but it also presents a major concern for Bafana Bafana as they prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in September.
Mudau has established himself as an important option for the national team, and his absence will leave the next Bafana Bafana coach with another selection problem to address. He is not the only player expected to miss a substantial part of the qualifiers, with Mbekezeli Mbokazi also facing a lengthy absence.
Whoever takes charge of Bafana Bafana will therefore need to find solutions to the defensive injury problems affecting the squad. Pitso Mosimane has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the national-team post.
Bafana Bafana will begin their qualifying campaign against Guinea before travelling to Eritrea for their second match.
For Sundowns, the timing of Mudau’s injury is particularly difficult as they continue their domestic campaign and prepare for the MTN8 semi-final. Cardoso’s side secured a 2-0 win over Marumo Gallants before receiving confirmation that the defender would be unavailable for an extended period.
Mudau’s rehabilitation will now determine when he can return to full training. Based on the six-month timeframe provided by Cardoso, the defender is not expected back on the training ground until between February and March 2027.
The news comes as Sundowns and Bafana Bafana face an uncertain period involving key defensive absences. While Sundowns must manage Mudau’s absence at club level, the national team will have to consider alternatives before the opening AFCON qualifying fixtures in September.
The developments also come amid wider discussion around the future of the Bafana Bafana coaching position. The next coach, whether that is Mosimane or another appointment, will be tasked with reshaping the team while dealing with the injuries to Mudau and Mbokazi.