Hugo Broos Details Efforts to Resolve Khuliso Mudau’s Sundowns Dispute

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has revealed his role in attempting to resolve the contractual dispute between right-back Khuliso Mudau and Mamelodi Sundowns. Mudau will miss South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho on September 5 and Nigeria on September 9, after not being included in the final 23-man squad.

The 30-year-old defender has not played or trained competitively since the FIFA Club World Cup in July, reportedly due to disagreements over his contract with Sundowns. Although Mudau returned to training this week, he is not yet match-fit.

Broos confirmed that he spoke with both Mudau and the Sundowns coaching staff in an effort to mediate the situation. “I got the agreement of the coach of Sundowns that I could have a meeting with Khuliso,” Broos said. “I told him he was right in some things, but he was not right in other things. Not going to training is not the solution. That is an obligation of a player. If you don’t play, that is different, but you must attend training.”

The Belgian tactician stressed Mudau’s quality, calling him the best right-back in South Africa and one of the top right-backs in Africa. He added that it is part of his responsibility as Bafana Bafana coach to help players and clubs resolve disputes. “I think he’s training again, and I hope the problem is solved as soon as possible. It’s difficult for me not to have him in my team,” Broos said.

Sundowns have reportedly blocked interest from overseas clubs while ongoing contract negotiations take place. In Mudau’s absence, Zuko Mdunyelwa has been called up as a replacement, with Nyiko Mobbie providing additional right-back experience for the national team.

Broos’ intervention highlights his commitment to player welfare and the national team’s competitiveness, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional obligations even during contractual disputes.