Khuliso Mudau, a right back for Bafana Bafana, believes that the presence of several Mamelodi Sundowns players in the national team has greatly contributed to their cohesion and success.
As Bafana Bafana prepares to face Rwanda in a Group C 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier, Khuliso Mudau acknowledges the positive impact of having a core group of players from the same club.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Former Springbok Lock Hannes Strydom Tragically Killed In Car Crash
In the recent 2-1 victory over Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, six Sundowns players, including Mudau, started the match and played a crucial role in securing the win. This victory propelled Bafana Bafana to the top of their group.
However, after the match, head coach Hugo Broos downplayed the influence of Sundowns on the squad, possibly to foster team spirit among the remaining players.
Mamelodi Sundowns has long been the dominant force in South African football, so it is not surprising that their players feature prominently in the national team. In fact, there would have been even more Sundowns players in the squad if not for injuries to Grant Kekana, Thapelo Maseko, and Bathusi Aubaas.
The influence of a successful club side on a national team is a common occurrence in football, as exemplified by Barcelona’s impact on the Spain side that won the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
Sundowns recently emerged as champions of the inaugural Caf African Football League, further highlighting the valuable continental experience possessed by their players. This experience is expected to be crucial when facing the challenges of playing on a difficult surface at the Stade Huye in Butare.
Mudau emphasizes the positive effect of having familiar teammates from Sundowns in the Bafana Bafana squad.
He draws a parallel with the national teams of Belgium and France, where players have been playing together since their youth development days. Mudau states, “It is giving us confidence to play with people we play with in our club team.”
The right back was thrilled to score his first goal for Bafana Bafana in the match against Benin. However, he acknowledges that his primary responsibility is to prioritize defense and not constantly push forward. Mudau’s goal is a testament to the renewed faith that coach Broos has placed in him.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Bafana Bafana Starts 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Campaign With Promising Win
Looking ahead to the upcoming match against Rwanda, Mudau exudes confidence in Bafana Bafana’s ability to secure a victory.
Despite acknowledging the difficulty of playing away from home with an enthusiastic crowd supporting the opposition, Mudau predicts a 2-0 win for his team. He emphasizes the strength of the young team and the importance of focusing on the next game to secure three crucial points.
