Snl24 | Mudau: I took out my frustrations on other players

Khuliso Johnson Mudau of South Africa during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, quarter final match between Cape Verde and South Africa at Stade Charles Konan Banny on February 03, 2024 in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.

(Photo by Segun Ogunfeyitimi/Gallo Images)

Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender Khuliso Mudau has opened up on his growth from getting back-to-back red cards to being one of the best defenders in South Africa.

The 22/23 DStv Premiership Defender of the Season was one of the standout performers for the Brazilians last season, making 39 appearances across all competitions.

Mudau has also established himself as a key player for the national team, making the final 23-man squad selected to represent South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations currently underway in Ivory Coast.

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However, all these are a far cry from the Madau who made headlines for all the wrong reasons in his younger days at Black Leopards.

At some point in 2019, the then 23-year-old managed to to be sent off on his first match returning from a two-game suspension from a red card.

Speaking to Mamelodi Sundowns Magazine, Mudau gives an explanation for some aggressive play during his earlier days.

“I think the problem with me is that I hate losing. So, when I play, I give everything I have,” Mudau said. 

“Obviously, at Leopards, we were losing some games, and I took out my frustrations on other players.” 

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These days, Mudau is a multiple DStv Premiership winner, among other accolades, and is happy to continue lifting silverware with the team he represented as a youth player before spells with Magesi FC and Leopards. I was here (at Sundowns as a child) before. It was a long journey for me,” the defender added.

“Obviously, I wanted to come back and play here at Mamelodi Sundowns. I am very happy that I am back and trying to help the team achieve big things. My parents gave me the support not to give up, and I also had to make them proud.” 

Sundowns return to competitive action when they take on Lamontville Golden Arrows on 14 February.

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