Coach Praises Humble Matuludi, Urges Focus On Club Before Bafana |

Thabang Matuludi during the Betway Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Polokwane City

Polokwane City head coach Phuti Mohafe has praised the maturity and humility of defender Thabang Matuludi, who has recently been part of the Bafana Bafana national team setup.

Matuludi, who recently recovered from injury, has continued to feature prominently for Rise and Shine in the Betway Premiership.

Read: ‘A Fantastic Gift For Him’ – Ouaddou Proud Of Mbokazi’s CAF Recognition

Despite not getting minutes on the international stage just yet, his coach believes the youngster has handled the situation with admirable professionalism.

Speaking to journalists after Polokwane City’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening, the coach expressed satisfaction with the 26-year-old’s mentality.

“Very, very much humble. And in talking sense into his mind, just to remind him that he’s still a Polokwane City player. He’s still contracted to us,” the coach said.
“He has to first give the performances that made him to be selected for the national team by playing or giving the better performances in our team. He’s very honest, he’s very humble. And with the performances that he’s given, he should continue to be there.”

The coach emphasised that while national team recognition is deserved, it should not distract Matuludi from his primary responsibilities with his club.

“Playing for the national team doesn’t mean that his bread is buttered in the national team. You need to know where you come from – and that is where his bread is buttered, is Polokwane City,” he continued.
“For him to be in the national team is Polokwane City. For him to continue to be in the national team, he must give us the good performances at Polokwane City. National team, second. Polokwane City, first.”

Read: ‘Cut And Paste Doesn’t Work’

Matuludi has been one of the standout performers for the Limpopo outfit since his return and remains a key component of their defensive structure.

With the backing of his coach, he’ll be looking to maintain the level that earned him Bafana recognition in the first place – and ensure more international opportunities come his way in the future.

Photo by Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix 

Related tags