Bafana Bafana defender Khuliso Mudau has resurfaced at Mamelodi Sundowns after weeks on the sidelines, with the 30-year-old spotted training at Chloorkop on Tuesday morning ahead of the club’s high-profile Betway Premiership clash against Kaizer Chiefs.
The right-back, who has missed all of Sundowns’ matches so far this season, finally linked up with his teammates as the champions continued their preparations for Wednesday night’s showdown.
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While his return to training signalled a step forward, Siya sources have indicated that Mudau’s situation remains delicate, with the player and club still negotiating over his future.
“He was told to come back. The club was concerned as to how they would be able to pay him while he was sitting at home, while having a contract,” a source revealed to the Siya crew.
“He has to come to training. There will be a program for him to catch up on fitness. Negotiations will continue while he is training. Regarding interest from elsewhere, that will also be looked at, and the club will decide. But the main thing is that he has to report for training and catch up on lost time. He started training today, but with regards to selection for matches, he is not available yet, and he is not ready. There are still issues that need to be finalised regarding his future,” the source added.
Sources close to developments at Chloorkop revealed that Sundowns already triggered a one-year extension in Mudau’s contract, though the Musina-born defender is understood to be pushing for a revised and improved deal.
Reports have also suggested that the club has turned down offers from elsewhere on the continent for the defender, with his long-term future still under discussion.
Mudau’s return to the fold will nevertheless be a boost for head coach Miguel Cardoso, who has had to navigate the early part of the season without one of his most reliable players.
The defender has been a mainstay in both the Sundowns and Bafana Bafana set-ups in recent years, admired for his consistency and energy down the right flank.
As things stand, the Siya crew has been informed that Mudau is unlikely to feature against Chiefs on Wednesday, with the technical team expected to give him time to regain fitness while the contractual situation is ironed out.
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The next few days could prove crucial in determining whether the player recommits his future to the Tshwane giants or if Sundowns eventually open the door to potential suitors circling for his signature.
Sundowns were contacted for comment on Mudau’s situation, but no response had been received at the time of publishing.
