Polokwane City Coach Backs Thabang Matuludi at Mamelodi Sundowns and Tips Tshepang Matube for Stardom

Polokwane City coach Willy Moloto has wished Thabang Matuludi well following the defender’s high-profile move to Mamelodi Sundowns, while also pointing to another young talent who could become the next big name to emerge from the Rise and Shine setup. Matuludi’s departure brings an end to an important chapter in his career at the Limpopo club after five seasons in which he played a major role in the team’s rise through South African football. The 27-year-old right-back established himself as one of Polokwane City’s most dependable players before earning international recognition with Bafana Bafana. His move to Sundowns represents another significant step for a player who has steadily built his reputation through consistent performances. For Polokwane City, however, the transfer also highlights the club’s ability to develop players who eventually attract interest from the biggest teams in the country.

Matuludi became an important part of Polokwane City’s rise after joining the club and helping the side progress from the second tier back into the top flight. His contribution extended beyond simply filling the right-back position, as he became a trusted member of a squad that established itself among the leading teams outside the traditional giants. Polokwane City went on to record three consecutive top-eight finishes, underlining the consistency that the club achieved during his time there. His performances also helped him earn a place in the Bafana Bafana setup, giving him an opportunity to compete at international level. The move to Mamelodi Sundowns now gives Matuludi the chance to test himself at one of Africa’s most successful clubs, where competition for places is intense and expectations remain high.

Moloto has chosen to focus on Matuludi’s achievements rather than view his departure as a setback for Polokwane City. Speaking after the team’s 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership, the coach acknowledged that talented players leaving developing clubs for bigger teams is part of the football landscape. He also pointed to the fact that Kaizer Chiefs recently experienced a similar situation when Thabo Cele moved to Sundowns. For Moloto, the most important thing is that Matuludi has earned the opportunity through his performances and hard work over several seasons. His message to the departing defender was simple, with the coach wishing him all the best as he begins his new journey at Chloorkop.

Matuludi’s move also serves as an example of the pathway that Polokwane City can offer ambitious young footballers. The club has developed a reputation for giving players opportunities to establish themselves at professional level before they attract attention from larger clubs. That approach has become an important part of the Rise and Shine identity, particularly because the club competes against teams with significantly larger resources and deeper squads. Instead of relying solely on expensive signings, Polokwane City has continued to place value on identifying and developing players with potential. Matuludi’s progression from a key player at the club to a Bafana Bafana international and Mamelodi Sundowns player demonstrates how that strategy can produce tangible results.

Despite losing one of his most experienced defenders, Moloto does not appear concerned about the future of the right-back position at Polokwane City. The coach believes the club already has another promising player who could eventually follow a similar path. That player is Tshepang Matube, a young defender whom Moloto has identified as one to watch in the coming years. The coach believes Matube possesses the qualities needed to develop into an important player for the club. His comments suggest that Polokwane City sees the departure of established players not only as a challenge but also as an opportunity for the next generation to step forward.

Moloto described Matube as a gem that the club is currently working with and indicated that supporters should keep an eye on his development. The coach’s confidence in the youngster reflects the work taking place behind the scenes to develop players capable of competing at the highest level. Matube is being viewed as a potential long-term option at right-back, a position that has gained considerable importance at Polokwane City following Matuludi’s departure. While it would be unfair to place immediate pressure on a young player by directly comparing him with a Bafana Bafana international, the endorsement from his coach is significant. It suggests that the club believes Matube has the potential to become another player who attracts attention beyond Polokwane.

The emergence of Matube could also strengthen Polokwane City’s reputation as a club capable of producing players for bigger stages. Developing a replacement internally can give the team greater continuity while allowing a young player to gain valuable experience in the Betway Premiership. It also gives Matube an opportunity to learn from the demands of professional football without carrying unrealistic expectations from the start. If he continues to improve, he could gradually become an important part of the first team and potentially attract interest from other clubs. The challenge for both the player and the coaching staff will be to manage his development carefully while giving him enough opportunities to demonstrate his ability.

For Matuludi, the move to Mamelodi Sundowns presents a different type of challenge. Sundowns have established themselves as one of the dominant forces in South African football and regularly compete in major continental competitions. The club’s depth means Matuludi will have to fight for his place and maintain a high standard of performance to remain involved. His experience with Polokwane City and Bafana Bafana should provide a strong foundation as he adapts to the demands of his new environment. The move also gives him the opportunity to compete alongside some of the most accomplished players in the country and gain further experience at the highest level.

Polokwane City’s response to the transfer shows the value of having a long-term player development strategy. Losing a key player can create an immediate gap, but clubs that consistently develop young talent are better positioned to manage those changes. Moloto’s comments about Matube indicate that the club is already looking beyond the departure of Matuludi and preparing for the next phase. That approach could become increasingly important as more established clubs look towards Polokwane City for players who have demonstrated their quality in the Premiership. The club’s ability to identify and develop the next generation will therefore remain central to its ambitions.

Thabang Matuludi’s journey from Polokwane City to Mamelodi Sundowns is ultimately a positive reflection of the progress he has made throughout his career. He leaves behind a club where he played an important role in a period of growth and takes with him the experience of helping Rise and Shine return to the top flight and establish itself among South Africa’s competitive teams. His success also gives younger players at Polokwane City proof that strong performances can lead to bigger opportunities. At the same time, the emergence of Tshepang Matube provides the club and its supporters with a reason to remain optimistic about the future. If Moloto’s prediction proves correct, Matube could become the next Polokwane City talent to make a major impact in South African football.