Mokwena hits back at Broos over Mudau comments

Rulani Mokwena is the latest DStv Premiership coach to voice his displeasure at Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos’ comments.

Broos has developed a reputation as a bit of a straight shooter. He has now raised the ire of  Mokwena over the unavailability of Khuliso Mudau, who missed last month’s international friendlies against Namibia and The Democratic Republic of Congo through injury.

The Belgian said he was taken aback to see Mudau back into Mamelodi Sundowns team that played Bumamuru in the CAF Champions League three days after the Fifa international break concluded.

“I don’t think it’s fair to say that Sundowns don’t communicate on the injuries of players,” said a visibly irritated Mokwena.

“I think it’s far-fetched and I have to come to the defence of the club in this instance because the club goes out of its way to update not only the Bafana coach, but for sundowns supporters who want to know why some of our best players are not on the pitch. The club goes out of its way to give as much information and clarity with regards to the non-availability of our players.

“Even though I know that I will speak to the Bafana head coach about that statement but I think it’s important that from a public perspective, I come to the defence of the football club in this instance.”

Mudau is in the current Bafana squad that is preparing to face Eswatini and Ivory Coast in back-to-back friendlies after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Broos has also expressed his displeasure at the fact that Thapelo Maseko, who was not selected for Bafana’s current squad because of injury, came off the bench for Sundowns in Saturday’s MTN8 final.

‘Mudau was injured’

“Mudau was injured and he missed a few games. If you remember, he missed the Stellenbosch game and (Kaizer) Chiefs. He was also suspended,” Mokwena added.

“One thing I like about Mamelodi Sundowns and you have to give the club a lot of credit for this, we post our injuries on social media before each and every match we give detailed updates.”

Bafana host Sihlangu at FNB Stadium on Friday before traveling to West Africa to take on the Elephants next week Tuesday. South Africa will be using the two friendlies as preparation for next month’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda, as well as the Africa Cup of Nations finals in the Ivory Coast early next year.