Polokwane City captain Puleng Marema has heaped praise on his teammate Thabang Matuludi, tipping him as one of the best right-backs in South Africa.
Matuludi has been a standout performer for Rise and Shine this season, playing a crucial role before an unfortunate injury sidelined him, possibly for the rest of the campaign.
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The defender's stellar displays earned him a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad under coach Hugo Broos, highlighting his growing reputation.
The 26-year-old's performances have not gone unnoticed, with Orlando Pirates reportedly interested in securing his services, alongside several other clubs in the league.
Marema believes Matuludi's form was strong enough to secure him a place in the Bafana squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
While Matuludi's injury is a setback, his rise in Mzansi's top flight suggests a bright future ahead.
"I had a chance to talk to him (Matuludi) and we had quite a nice chat where I was giving him advice. He is a very good player and make no mistake about it. I don't like comparing players, but I think he is one of the best right-backs right now in the country. Unfortunately, he was disrupted by injury on his progress, and we know that injuries happen in football and there's nothing we can do about it. I just wish him a speedy recovery," said Marema, speaking exclusively to the Siya crew.
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"I was sure that the boy was going to make the Bafana Bafana squad for Afcon with the way he has been performing. The boy has been outstanding for us, and he always gives 100% effort on the field. He didn't show any signs of being distracted by the transfer talks and all of that, and that's what I like about him. I would even ask myself as to how the boy has managed to give consistent performances like that while there's been so much talk about clubs reportedly interested in him. I wish him a speedy recovery and I hope that he will come back even stronger," concluded Marema.
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