Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns? Matuludi opens up

With barely a month left before the 2026/27 Premier Soccer League starts, defending champions Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, just like the other teams, are busy shaping up.

Masandawana have so far brought in Antonio van Wyk (SV Ried, Austria), Siyanda Ndlovu (Golden Arrows), Ricardo Goss (return from Loan).

The Soweto giants have added Mthetheleli Mthiyane (Stellenbosch FC), Sbangani Zulu (Richards Bay), Bohale Ngwato (Siwelele) Ghampani Lungu (Siwelele), Neo Rapoo (Siwelele), Aphiwe Baliti (Siwelele) and Matome Mmolai (Leicesterford City).

However, both teams have been heavily linked with Bafana Bafana and Polokwane City FC defender Thabang Matuludi. The 27-year-old was also being chased by Kaizer Chiefs, who opted to pursue other targets.

Matuludi opens up on possible move to Pirates, Sundowns

“There is no way I can be surprised. Obviously, when you are playing week in and week out, there will always be talks [around your future],” he told FARPost.

“That one we will see. I can’t talk about that, I am here [at Polokwane City] for now.”

He further explained why Mafori Cup is important for him, “For me as a player, such tournaments will help us prepare for the league. So that we can see where we are as a team. It’s also important that we also win because it boosts our confidence as players because we can evaluate where we are,” he concluded.

Matuludi was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that reached the Round of 32 in the almost-ending 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.