Phuti Mohafe talks about the future of Habang Matuludi with Polokwane City FC!

Phuti Mohafe talks about the future of Habang Matuludi with Polokwane City FC!

With the commencement of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, speculation about the future of young South African right-back Thabang Matuludi has come to the forefront, as his coach at Polokwane City expresses mental readiness for the possible departure of the 26-year-old.

Matuludi, who was successfully converted by coach Phuti Mohafe from a right-winger to a full-back, has been one of the standout players for the team this season. His polished performances recently earned him a call-up to the Bafana Bafana national team camp under the guidance of Hugo Broos.

"I always tell Matuludi: One day you will thank me for playing you in this position," Mohafe recalls, reflecting on the player's professional transformation.

With the player currently participating in the continental tournament, the coach appears realistic about the fate of his rising star: "He is now at the Africa Cup of Nations, and I doubt he will return. That is acceptable, but I just hope that, even if he catches the eye, he could give us one final season. Then I could say I have played my part in developing this young man."

This statement comes at a time when Matuludi aspires to follow the same path as his former teammate Evidence Makgopa, who moved from Polokwane City to the renowned Orlando Pirates in the previous transfer window.

The full-back, who has featured in 10 matches and scored one goal this season, will need to seize his opportunity on the continental stage, as his performances there could very well determine the next chapter in his football career.