Polokwane City are reportedly aiming higher than the Betway Premiership
when it comes to the future of their prized right-back Thabang Matuludi,
with the club open to exploring overseas interest in the Bafana Bafana
defender.
The 27-year-old has established himself as one of Rise and Shine’s most
consistent performers in recent seasons, earning recognition at both
domestic and international level. His impressive form has previously
attracted interest from local giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
However, Siya sources indicate that the Limpopo outfit may be holding out
for something bigger.
“The club is likely to prioritise listening to offers from overseas for the
player,” a source close to the situation revealed. “There has definitely
been interest locally from some of the big clubs, but Polokwane City are
aiming higher than that.”
The timing could prove crucial, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.
Matuludi is expected to feature in Hugo Broos’ squad for the global
showpiece in June, should he maintain his current trajectory.
“With the World Cup coming up, that could give him the perfect stage to
impress even more. If he performs well there, it could open the right doors
for him internationally,” added the source.
Matuludi was part of the Bafana squad that featured at the 2025 AFCON
tournament in Morocco in December, further highlighting his growing stock on
the continental stage.
Rise and Shine head coach Phuti Mohafe has already publicly acknowledged
that retaining the defender’s services may prove challenging given the level
of attention he continues to attract.
While Polokwane remain focused on their domestic campaign, the club’s
willingness to consider overseas offers suggests strategic planning—both for
Matuludi’s career progression and for maximising the value of one of their
most sought-after assets.
Whether a move materialises before or after the World Cup remains uncertain,
but indications are that Rise and Shine are preparing for the possibility of
bidding farewell to their influential right-back—provided the right
opportunity presents itself.
