Thabang Matuludi Set for Unique Sundowns Milestone as Four Competitions Await in First Four Games

Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Thabang Matuludi is enjoying a remarkable start to life at Chloorkop, with the defender set to experience an unusual milestone by featuring in four different competitions across his first four appearances for the Tshwane giants.

The former Polokwane City star has wasted little time making his presence felt since joining the reigning South African champions in September 2026. His arrival has coincided with an exciting period for the Brazilians, who continue to compete for domestic and international honours under head coach Miguel Cardoso.

According to reports, Matuludi's first appearance came against Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ahli in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup's African-Asian-Pacific Cup competition. Sundowns secured victory in that encounter, with the right-back contributing an assist during his 85 minutes on the pitch.

That impressive debut immediately offered supporters a glimpse of what he could bring to the team, particularly through his attacking runs, defensive discipline and ability to contribute in the final third.

Matuludi's second outing came in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The defender featured as Sundowns defeated their Soweto rivals to lift the trophy, adding another major achievement to his early days at the club.

For a player who had recently arrived from Polokwane City, winning silverware so quickly represented a significant moment in his career.

The 27-year-old subsequently turned his attention to the Betway Premiership, starting in Sundowns' emphatic 4-1 victory over Richards Bay FC on Tuesday. Once again, he completed the full match, demonstrating his growing importance to Cardoso's plans.

His fourth appearance is expected to take him into another competition, completing a unique sequence of four matches across four separate tournaments. The development underlines the demanding nature of playing for a club that regularly competes on multiple fronts.

Matuludi's rise has been built on years of hard work. Before making the move to Sundowns, he established himself at Polokwane City, where his performances helped him earn recognition at national level with Bafana Bafana.

His development from an attacking player into a dependable right-back has also attracted praise from coaches who worked with him earlier in his career.

Sundowns' decision to bring him to Chloorkop has already begun to look rewarding, especially as the club manages a demanding schedule involving league football and cup competitions.

With two trophies already secured during his early appearances, Matuludi has enjoyed a dream introduction to life in Pretoria.

The challenge now will be maintaining his impressive performances, adapting further to Cardoso's tactical demands and helping Sundowns pursue more silverware as the 2026/27 campaign gathers momentum.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2110712353029230690