The coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, Miguel Cardoso, announced that right-back Huliso Mudau sustained a 'very, very serious injury' during the match against Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership tournament.
Mudau was taken off the field on a stretcher in the thirty-seventh minute following a collision, where he was deemed the second most significant, and was replaced by Zuko Mdunyelwa. Cardoso made this statement after his team defeated Gallants 2-0.
Cardoso noted: 'Unfortunately, it is a very, very serious injury, yes. Obviously, for a player of this level, with this quality, it is a big loss for South Africa and especially for us.'
Mudau's absence, as one of the outstanding players for the Bafana Bafana national team at the recent FIFA World Cup in the USA and Mexico, will seriously disrupt the national team's plans. The CAF qualifiers campaign begins early next month with a home match against Guinea (September 1), followed by a trip to play Eritrea (September 2).
It is also highly likely that Mudau will be unable to participate in the November matches against Kenya, coached by Benny McCarthy. Sundowns has already lost their inspiring midfielder Tebogo Mokokenu due to an injury earlier this season, putting the coach in a difficult position managing the squad.
Cardoso expressed his disappointment, clarifying that the injury occurred outside of contact with an opponent. He stated: 'I feel very upset. No, he got injured off the ball in this action. There was no contact. I thought it was the one in the center, but no. He was here. We reviewed this action. It wasn't... It wasn't from a tackle. In Formula 1 there are accidents, in football there are injuries. Yes, it is a big loss, but let's hope others can handle the upcoming challenge.'