When Bafana Bafana take to the field at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, football fans in Vhembe will have a special reason to watch closely. Musina-born defender Khuliso “Sailor” Mudau has earned his place among the 26 players selected to represent South Africa on the world’s biggest football stage.
Mudau was one of the 26 players who departed for Mexico on Monday.
In an interview with Limpopo Mirror shortly before boarding the chartered flight, Mudau said that representing his country at World Cup level was a dream come true. Sailor, as he is affectionately known, said that while he was happy and humbled to have already represented the national team on several occasions, this would be his debut appearance at a World Cup.
The former Black Leopards right back promised that he would not disappoint his fans at the global showpiece.
Mudau currently plays for Betway Premiership side Mamelodi Sundowns, which he joined in 2020. The 31-year-old defender credited Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso for his achievements, saying that the coach had given him an opportunity to showcase his talent at the highest level.
Mudau has played 92 matches for Sundowns since 2020 and helped the club win five consecutive league titles. Sundowns narrowly missed out on another championship in the season that ended three weeks ago. They finished on 68 points, one behind Orlando Pirates.
His soccer journey started on the streets of Musina before he was spotted by coach Justice Matloga of Benny’s Care Sports Academy. During his amateur years, he also played for JDR Stars. In 2017, he left National First Division side Magezi FC to join Black Leopards. There, he established himself as an overlapping right back and a key player for the Thohoyandou-based club. In October 2020, Mudau was released to join Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mudau made his debut for Bafana Bafana on 25 March 2022 in a friendly match against Guinea. To date, he has made 33 appearances for the national team.
Mudau is not the only player from Limpopo who will be wearing the national colours in this World Cup. Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa, who hails from Ga-Mampa village outside Polokwane, is among the players on whom the national coach will rely for goals.
Thabang Matuludi, from Ngwaritsi village outside Polokwane, is also part of the 26-member Bafana Bafana squad. Matuludi currently plays for Polokwane City.