Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Miguel Cardoso Responds to Thabang Matuludi Transfer Rumours
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has refused to confirm reports linking Polokwane City defender Thabang Matuludi with a move to the reigning African champions. The Bafana Bafana defender has reportedly attracted strong interest from Sundowns as the transfer window approaches its final stages. Speculation surrounding the right-back intensified after reports suggested that the two clubs had reached an agreement for the highly rated defender. However, Cardoso remained cautious when asked about the potential transfer following Sundowns’ 3-0 victory over Siwelele FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday night. Rather than confirming or denying the reports, the Portuguese coach stressed that he would only discuss players once the club makes an official announcement.
Cardoso’s response reflects the strict approach Sundowns appear to have adopted regarding player recruitment and public communication. The coach made it clear that he does not want to comment on matters that fall outside his direct control, particularly when a transfer has not yet been officially confirmed by the club. He was even taken aback when questioned about reports that an announcement could be imminent, pointing out that the media seemed more certain about the situation than he was. Cardoso explained that he could not provide answers about a process that had not been communicated to him in an official capacity. His careful response has done little to end the speculation, but it has reinforced Sundowns’ preference for keeping transfer negotiations away from the public spotlight.
“You know more than me; you are going to make me question things I don’t have answers for,” Cardoso said when asked about the reports surrounding Matuludi. He explained that he could not confirm whether the defender would be announced because he did not have the relevant information and could not speak about matters he did not control. The coach also questioned the source of the information, suggesting that those reporting an imminent announcement appeared to have greater certainty than he did. Cardoso’s comments demonstrate the distinction he makes between transfer speculation and confirmed business conducted by the club. Until Sundowns officially communicate a signing, he appears determined to avoid giving any indication about whether a deal has been completed.
The coach used recent signing Deano van Rooyen as an example of how the club handles new arrivals. Cardoso explained that he can comfortably discuss Van Rooyen because the defender has already arrived at Sundowns and has been officially recognised as part of the squad. Once a player becomes an official Sundowns signing, the technical team can discuss their qualities, tactical profile and potential contribution to the team. Before that point, Cardoso believes it would be inappropriate for him to discuss negotiations or potential transfers. This approach allows the club to maintain control over its communication while preventing speculation from becoming an unnecessary distraction for the technical team and players.
Matuludi’s reported link to Sundowns remains particularly interesting because of his position and profile. The Polokwane City defender has established himself as a promising right-back and has also earned recognition at international level with Bafana Bafana. Sundowns have considerable competition for places within their squad, but the club continues to operate at the highest level domestically and continentally, making squad depth an important consideration. A player capable of operating effectively at right-back could provide another option as the Brazilians manage a demanding schedule. However, until Sundowns make an official announcement, Matuludi remains a Polokwane City player and the reports surrounding his future should be treated as speculation.
The timing of the rumours has added further interest because the transfer window is approaching its closing stages. Clubs typically face increased pressure to complete negotiations during this period as they attempt to finalise their squads for the remainder of the season. For Sundowns, recruitment decisions also need to fit into a squad that already contains significant quality and depth. Cardoso’s comments suggest that the coaching staff will only focus on a new player once the administrative and contractual processes have been completed. That allows the technical team to concentrate on current responsibilities rather than allowing transfer speculation to affect preparations for upcoming matches.
Cardoso’s insistence on following the club’s established process was perhaps the clearest part of his response. He explained that Sundowns has guidelines governing every recruitment process and that coaches are not expected to move ahead of official announcements. The coach made it clear that he does not want to bypass the club’s communication structure by discussing a player before the appropriate announcement has been made. His message was straightforward: if the transfer happens, Sundowns will communicate it through the proper channels. Until then, Cardoso will not speculate publicly about whether Matuludi is heading to Tshwane.
“I don’t want to go over the natural process that happens in our club; there’s a guideline we follow on every process,” Cardoso explained. He added that coaches do not go beyond official announcements when discussing new players, before leaving the possibility of Matuludi’s arrival open. His final response, effectively suggesting that supporters should wait and see, keeps the situation unresolved. That uncertainty is likely to continue until either Sundowns or Polokwane City provides an official update. For now, the transfer rumours remain a developing story rather than a confirmed move.
The speculation comes at a time when Sundowns are enjoying strong form on the pitch. The Brazilians moved six points clear at the top of the Betway Premiership after beating Siwelele 3-0 at Loftus Versfeld. Kutlwano Letlhaku opened the scoring in the second half before Siyanda Ndlovu and Tashreeq Matthews added further goals to secure a comfortable victory. The result extended Sundowns’ winning run to five matches across all competitions and further strengthened Cardoso’s position as the team continues to compete on multiple fronts. With the club preparing for another Premiership fixture against Chippa United, the coach’s immediate focus remains on the players already available to him.
Cardoso’s comments ultimately demonstrate that Sundowns are unlikely to allow transfer speculation to dictate their public messaging. While Matuludi continues to be linked with a move to the club, the coach has chosen to respect the internal process and wait for an official announcement before discussing the defender. His example of Van Rooyen shows that once a transfer is confirmed, the technical team is willing to discuss the player and explain how he can fit into the squad. Until that happens with Matuludi, Cardoso will remain focused on his current squad and the challenges ahead. Whether the Bafana Bafana defender eventually becomes a Sundowns player remains to be seen, but Cardoso’s message is clear: at Sundowns, official confirmation comes before public discussion.
