Sundowns beat Pirates again as Matuludi joins the Yellow Family
Mamelodi Sundowns have won another transfer battle with Orlando Pirates, with Bafana Bafana defender Thabang Matuludi swapping Polokwane City for the Chloorkop side.
The 27-year-old right-back, who was part of South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, has been one of the most consistent full-backs in the Betway Premiership over the past few seasons.
Sundowns moved to secure him after first-choice right-back Khuliso Mudau suffered a long-term injury, and reports say personal terms and a deal with Rise and Shine were agreed earlier this week.
The club’s arrival message captured the mood among Masandawana supporters: “Thabang Matuludi joins the Yellow Family 💛
“Thabang Matuludi is officially in yellow! The defender is ready for the next step with Bafana Ba Style.”
Pirates were also reportedly interested, turning the deal into another Soweto-Tshwane tug of war. Sundowns got there first.
It is the second time in this window that the Brazilians have beaten Bucs to a target, after earlier landing Siyanda Ndlovu from Golden Arrows.
For Matuludi, the move is the biggest step of a career that began in Limpopo amateur football and rose through Polokwane’s promotion and top-flight campaigns.
For Sundowns, it adds depth and international experience as they chase a Premiership title reclaim and defend their CAF Champions League crown.
He is the second right back signed in recent weeks after the club also secured Deano Van Rooyen after his release by Pirates earlier this month.
Sundowns also signed Thabo Cele who agreed a termination of his deal at Kaizer Chiefs earlier this week.
