Tholo Matuludi

A tall, composed right-back who helped Polokwane City win promotion to the Premier Soccer League, Tholo Matuludi earned his Bafana Bafana debut at the 2024 COSAFA Cup and was selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

Matuludi developed through King Born and The Dolphins youth teams before joining Polokwane City in 2021. He played a key role as the club secured promotion from the National First Division to the Premier Soccer League ahead of the 2023–24 season, where he made his top-flight debut. Consistent performances attracted reported interest from several major PSL clubs including Stellenbosch FC, Cape Town City, and Orlando Pirates.

He earned his international debut at the 2024 COSAFA Cup, playing every minute of South Africa's campaign against Mozambique and beyond. His development earned him a call-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad in December 2025, and coach Hugo Broos retained him for the 2026 World Cup squad at 27 years of age.