Thabang Matuludi's potential transfer to Orlando Pirates from Polokwane City suffers a major blow - 'Yoh! I think it’s going to take some time'

Orlando Pirates have been strengthening their team, especially the defensive unit.

Thabang Matuludi is one of the players who have been linked to the Soweto giants.

However, things might not work for him, at least not in the ongoing transfer window if a recent update by coach Phuti Mohafe is anything to consider.

“Yoh! I think it’s going to take some time; it’s going to take some time, but we hope that he recovers very quickly," he told the media.

Him and [Hlayisi] Chauke together with Tlou [Nkwe]; we just hope that they recover very, very quickly because we need their involvement in the team. We need them, their effort, we need the energy that they put to the team. So, we miss them," Mohafe continued.

“Yeah, [Sinhle Makhubela] can fill his void, but we must not forget that they are not the same players.

“Matuludi is more offensive, and this one is more defensive, but he can go forward, but not as often as Matuludi is attacking.”

The injury news is absolutely what Matuludi wouldn't want to hear especially at this time when he has been linked to Orlando Pirates.

Bucs need quality players who can help them challenge for the Premier Soccer League, the Nedbank Cup as well as Caf Champions League.

The Soweto giants can't risk having a player who might be out for an extended period of time.

The Buccaneers might consider going for someone else to bolster their defence.

Even if he misses out on the probable Pirates move, Matuludi can work on his fitness hoping he can seal a move to other bigger teams in future.

Once he gets back to his best, the 26-year-old can push for a place in the Bafana Bafana team for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers and later in the year, he might make the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad.