Kagisho Dikgacoi Believes Khuliso Mudau Has What It Takes for the English Championship

Kagisho Dikgacoi, a former Bafana Bafana midfielder with extensive experience in the English Championship, believes that South African right-back Khuliso Mudau has what it takes to succeed in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. At 29, Mudau, who has attracted attention from several English clubs including Leeds United, is viewed as a promising talent capable of making a significant impact in England’s Championship.

Dikgacoi, who played for Crystal Palace and Cardiff in the Championship, notably helped Palace achieve promotion to the Premier League in the 2012/13 season, believes Mudau possesses the qualities that make him well-suited for a move to English football. “Khuliso would certainly do well. He can excel. He produces those qualities defensively and offensively that teams are looking for,” said Dikgacoi. “Offensively, he will give you something. Defensively, one-on-ones, he is good. He is a complete player in my opinion.”

Having started his European career with a move to the Premier League in 2009/10, Dikgacoi is well-positioned to comment on the challenges and opportunities of moving to England. He notes that success in the Championship and Premier League requires not just talent, but determination. “Sometimes it depends on how much a player really wants it. Does he really want to be there? That’s the only question one can pose to someone. If you want to be there, you know what to do. You need to keep working hard and improve if you have to improve,” he added.

Mudau, who has also been linked with Burnley, is part of a group of South African players, including Teboho Mokoena, who are impressing both locally and internationally. However, despite the talent emerging from the PSL, fewer South African players have made the move to top European leagues in recent years. The lack of South African players in England, particularly when compared to the previous generation that included stars like Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish, and Steven Pienaar, has raised concerns about the future of South African football at the international level.

Dikgacoi’s insight into the English football landscape provides valuable perspective for Mudau, who could potentially follow in the footsteps of past South African players and make his mark in the Championship. As the only South African currently playing in England’s top leagues is Lyle Foster, it remains to be seen whether Mudau will take the leap and pursue a career in the English Championship, but Dikgacoi’s confidence in his abilities suggests that he has the potential to succeed if he decides to make the move.