Khuliso Mudau: Sundowns coach reveals six-month injury lay-off

Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed that defender Khuliso Mudau is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a significant injury on Wednesday.

The influential player, who has become a cornerstone for both his club and Bafana Bafana, was stretchered off the field during Sundowns’ 2-0 win over Marumo Gallants on Wednesday, sparking immediate concern.

The club’s worst fears have now been realised, with head coach Miguel Cardoso confirming the severity of the situation.

Cardoso revealed that Mudau has ruptured his Achilles tendon and is scheduled to undergo surgery on Monday. The injury is expected to keep the defender out of action for approximately six months.

Cardoso on Mudau injury setback

“He will have surgery next Monday and start the recovery process from there. Unfortunately, such things happen in football, we can’t control, we have to deal with the context and we will put him in the best condition,” said Cardoso.

This timeline means Mudau, now in his seventh season with the Tshwane giants, will likely only be available for selection again in March of next year, dealing a major blow to his team’s defensive lineup.

🚨BREAKING: Miguel Cardoso reveals Khuliso Mudau will be OUT for 6 months after suffering a rupture of his Achilles! 💔⚽️👆🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/ReyKsCsTIF

— SoccerBeat (@SoccerBeatZA) August 20, 2026

However, while Cardoso is disappointed with the absence of his first-choice right-back, he believes the club has enough cover in that position and should cope well.

Sundowns coach confident in his options

“We also have one of the best right-backs in the country in Thapelo Morena and is also an international player for Bafana and we also have Zuko [Mdunyelwa] who is an international player for Bafana so for the moment the trust is on them,” he added.

Mudau’s injury will keep him out of key matches for Sundowns and could only be available for the latter part of the CAF Champions League if the club makes it that far and the final three months of the season.

He is also likely to miss all Bafana Bafana 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers which begin September and end in March.