Hardworking defender Thabang Matuludi made his full debut for Bafana Bafana in Dobsonville this past Tuesday afternoon, 16th December 2025.
The fixture was a friendly clash for Bafana Bafana and a final preparation match for the national team before the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) beginning this weekend on the 21st of December.
The 26-year-old right back played a full 90 minutes game against the Ghanaian B team, earning his first clean sheet in the process as Bafana Bafana came out as 1–0 victors.
Matuludi received his first international call-up a few months ago, in October, and was finally handed the responsibility of being preferred in the starting XI ahead of first choice right back defender for the national team, Khuliso Mudau.
The right back impressed Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos after playing some impressive matches this season including his contributions in the clean sheet against AmaZulu FC earlier last month as well as his last minute winner in the Rise and Shine’s 2–1 victory against Chippa United.
The story of Thabang Matuludi is one of a rising star as the defender continues to prove the claims made by coach Phuti Mohafe correct, that more is to come from the 26-year-old right back.
