Bafana Bafana Lose Key Man Khuliso Mudau - Fourth Major Injury Hampers Next Coach

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 20 Aug 2026

John Eastwood 20 Aug 2026

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Right back Khuliso Mudau sidelined with Achilles injury, out for many months.
Bafana Bafana now missing four major players; coach Hugo Broos has departed too.
Pitso Mosimane set to take over, faces major squad selection challenges for AFCON qualifiers.

Khuliso Mudau's long-term injury is a crushing blow for Bafana Bafana (Getty Images).

Bafana Bafana have lost key right back Khuliso Mudau to a long-term injury. The Mamelodi Sundowns man is the fourth major injury to hamper Hugo Broos' successor as coach.

Right Back Ruptures Achilles

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed a serious injury for right back Khuliso Mudau in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Marumo Gallants.

The coach confirmed that a severe Achilles injury will rule Mudau out for a number of months. He will miss almost certainly miss all six of Bafana Bafana's African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

There is an outside chance he could return for the tournament itself at the end of the season.

Fourth Major Injury, Fifth Loss for Bafana

With Hugo Broos departing his role as South Africa head coach, his successor faces several injury woes ahead of September's qualifiers vs Guinea and Eritrea.

Striker Evidence Makgopa, centre back Mbekezeli Mbokazi and midfielder Thalente Mbatha have all sustained injuries since the FIFA World Cup 2026.

In addition, midfielder Jayden Adams tragically passed away.

Big Calls for Reported Broos Replacement

Pitso Mosimane is the front-runner to replace Hugo Broos as coach. He will need to find replacements in defence, midfield and attack ahead of announcing his first squad.

At the back, Olwethu Makhanya is likely to replace Mbokazi in defence. Players like Siyabonga Ngezana and Grant Kekana may be options to come into the squad, whilst Thabiso Monyane is favourite to take Khuliso Mudau's right back role.

In midfield, Luke Le Roux and Bathusi Aubaas are two options. Lebohang Maboe could also offer experience in that role.

In attack, Cassius Mailula has scored three goals in four appearances for Mamelodi Sundowns and is tipped to cover for the injured Evidence Makgopa.

Graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 2008 with a BA in English Literature before completing MA in Journalism. Began his career as a sports journalist in London before moving to the Middle East to work as a sports editor for national media companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Favourite Sports: Tennis, Boxing, Golf.