Hugo Broos’ Change of Heart Towards Khuliso Mudau

3 mins read
south africa football

Khuliso Mudau, a defender for Bafana Bafana, caught the attention of coach Hugo Broos with his impressive performance in a recent match against Cote d’Ivoire. Broos initially preferred another player for the right-back position, but Mudau’s rise from underdog to a player supported by Broos exemplifies the dynamism of football. While Mudau’s position in the team for upcoming matches remains uncertain, his transformation is nothing short of motivational. The story becomes even more exciting as the team prepares for their upcoming matches.

Who is Khuliso Mudau and how did he change Hugo Broos’ opinion about him?

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Khuliso Mudau is a defender for Bafana Bafana who recently caught the attention of coach Hugo Broos. Initially, Broos preferred Nyiko Mobbie from Sekhukhune United as his right-back, but Mudau’s impressive performance, both offensively and defensively, in a recent match against Cote d’Ivoire changed his mind. Mudau’s rise from an apparent underdog to a player supported by Broos exemplifies the dynamism of football. His position in the team for upcoming matches remains uncertain, but he has made a strong impression.

Celebrations in South Africa

The southern region of Africa erupted in joy when Hugo Broos, the experienced coach of Bafana Bafana, finally recognized the significant abilities of defender Khuliso Mudau. For an extended period, Broos appeared to prefer Nyiko Mobbie from Sekhukhune United as his preferred right-back. However, as the dynamics of the game changed, he opted for Mudau, creating a fascinating shift in the football storyline.

Broos, a Belgian with a notable past in football including a period being the coach of Cameroon, recently revealed his team of 23 players for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Benin. His choice to include Mudau in this distinguished list represented a shift in his perspective and was a recognition of Mudau’s development as a footballer.

Broos’ Revised Opinions about Mudau

When Broos started his role as Bafana coach in May 2021, he had his doubts about Mudau. His initial inclination was towards other players such as Nyiko Mobbie and Thapelo Morena. However, the following six months saw Mudau transform into a player with an impressive capacity for offense and defense, leading to a change in Broos’ opinion.

This change was not merely in name. Mudau’s exceptional performance against Cote d’Ivoire in an international friendly match in Abidjan the previous month was remarkable. The current DStv Premiership Defender of the Season successfully subdued Wilfried Zaha, a top-notch winger, while also posing a threat on the offense. His exceptional performance on the field shed a new light on Mudau for Broos.

Reflecting on this, Broos stated, “Now he is not just a right back with strong offense, he has grown a lot defensively.” Broos’ newfound admiration for Mudau was apparent when comparing his recent match with Zaha to earlier ones against France and Morocco. The enhancement in his performance was evident.

Mudau’s Current Position in the Team

Despite this recognition, it doesn’t guarantee Mudau a starting position in the forthcoming match against Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium on November 18. Although Broos complimented him, who will secure the right-back position still remains uncertain. Nonetheless, there’s no doubt that Mudau has made a strong impression in the Bafana team.

The rise of this Venda-speaking star is notable not only due to his improved defensive skills but also his offensive capabilities. “He is (now) a proficient right-sided defender and a strong right-sided offensive defender,” remarks Broos. His transformation from being an apparent underdog to a player that Broos himself supports is nothing short of motivational.

The Exciting Narrative Continues

The story becomes even more gripping as the 1996 African champions prepare to play against Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium before their away match against Rwanda on November 21. With the atmosphere filled with anticipation, the focus on Mudau’s upcoming performance increases. His journey exemplifies the unpredictability and dynamism of the game of football. We’ll have to wait and see how this plot twist will affect the course of the impending matches.

What position does Khuliso Mudau play on the Bafana Bafana team?

Khuliso Mudau is a defender for the Bafana Bafana team.

Why did Hugo Broos initially prefer another player over Mudau?

When Hugo Broos first became the coach of Bafana Bafana in May 2021, he preferred Nyiko Mobbie from Sekhukhune United as his right-back.

What changed Broos’ opinion about Mudau?

Mudau’s impressive performance, both offensively and defensively, in a recent match against Cote d’Ivoire changed Broos’ mind. Mudau’s rise from an apparent underdog to a player supported by Broos exemplifies the dynamism of football.

Does Mudau have a starting position in the forthcoming match against Benin?

It’s uncertain whether Mudau will secure the right-back position for the forthcoming match against Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium on November 18.

What is notable about Mudau’s rise in the Bafana team?

Mudau’s rise from an apparent underdog to a player that Broos himself supports is notable not only for his improved defensive skills but also his offensive capabilities.

What can we expect from Mudau in the upcoming matches?

As the focus on Mudau’s upcoming performance increases, his journey exemplifies the unpredictability and dynamism of the game of football. We’ll have to wait and see how this plot twist will affect the course of the impending matches.

Michael Jameson is a Cape Town-born journalist whose reporting on food culture traces the city’s flavours from Bo-Kaap kitchens to township braai spots. When he isn’t tracing spice routes for his weekly column, you’ll find him surfing the chilly Atlantic off Muizenberg with the same ease he navigates parliamentary press briefings.

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