Mamelodi Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso has confirmed that right-back Khuliso Mudau suffered a “very, very severe injury” during the Betway Premiership clash against Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday evening.
Mudau was stretchered off in the 37th minute after coming off second-best in a collision, and was replaced by Zuko Mdunyelwa.
“Unfortunately, it’s a very, very severe injury, yeah,” Cardoso said after the 2-0 victory over Gallants. “Obviously for a player with his calibre, with his quality, [it’s] a big loss for South Africa, and for us especially.”
The absence of Mudau, who was one of Bafana Bafana’s standout players at the recent FIFA World Cup in the US and Mexico, will severely disrupt the national team’s plans.
Bafana’s AFCON qualifying campaign kicks off early next month with a clash against Guinea at home (September 1), before travelling to face Eritrea away (September 2). Mudau will also most likely be doubtful for the November clashes against Benni McCarthy’s Kenya.
Sundowns have already lost their inspirational midfielder Teboho Mokoena to injury during this early part of the season, leaving Cardoso counting the wounded.
“I’m feeling really frustrated. No, he got injured outside of the pitch on that action. There was no contact. I thought it was the one in the middle, but no.
“He was here. We reviewed the action. It was not… This one was not from a tackle.
“There are accidents in F1, there are injuries in football. Yeah, it’s a big loss, but let’s hope the other ones rise for the challenge ahead.”
