Khuliso Mudau to Orlando Pirates? Sundowns Legend Responds
As the January transfer window heats up and the PSL title race tightens, one unexpected storyline has set social media buzzing – and it involves two clubs at the very top of South African football. With Orlando Pirates leading the championship charge and Mamelodi Sundowns making bold moves in the market, a viral rumour linking Khuliso Mudau to the Buccaneers has sparked intense debate. Now, a Sundowns legend has stepped in to address the speculation.
Sundowns icon Daniel ‘Mambush’ Mudau has weighed in on reports circulating online that suggest Sundowns right-back Khuliso Mudau could be heading to Pirates following the high-profile transfer of Monnapule Saleng in the opposite direction.
Speaking on Ikwekwezi FM on Saturday, Mambush revealed that Sundowns are fully aware of the social media chatter and AI-generated images showing Khuliso wearing Pirates colours. According to the club legend, the images were widely shared shortly after Sundowns officially confirmed the signing of Saleng from Pirates, fueling theories of a so-called “swap narrative” between the two PSL giants.
Addressing the rumours directly, Mambush dismissed any suggestion of an imminent move and insisted Khuliso remains firmly part of Sundowns’ plans.
“Mudau is still a Sundowns player. You see after Sundowns signed Monnapule Saleng, they put a Pirates jersey on Mudau. As you know Monnapule plays on left wing and Muadau plays on right wing. Meaning Mudau will man-mark Saleng when the two teams play. There is nothing like that.
“I can assure you Madau is a Sundowns player, and the club has made sure that he is 150% part of the team”.
“He’ll grow with this team, even after he retire you may even see him working with me and other supporters coordinators, encouraging supporters to come to the stadium”.
Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Khuliso Mudau (Image: X/@Masandawana)
Despite the light-hearted tone, Khuliso’s future at Chloorkop has not been without uncertainty. Earlier in the season, the highly-rated right-back missed the opening weeks of training due to an alleged contractual dispute with the club – a situation that only intensified rumours about a possible move away from Sundowns.
Khuliso Mudau is widely regarded as one of the best right – backs in South African football and across the African continent. Known for his relentless energy, defensive discipline, and consistency, he has been a key figure for both Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, regularly delivering top-level performances on domestic and international stages.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates have also been active in the current transfer window, officially confirming the signings of Daniel Msendami and Mpho Chabatsane from Marumo Gallants, as well as Andre de Jong from Stellenbosch FC, as they continue to reinforce their squad while leading the title race.
On the other side, Sundowns have been equally busy as they prepare for a demanding second half of the season. The club has already confirmed the signings of Monnapule Saleng, Khulumani Ndamane from TS Galaxy, and Colombian attacker Brayan Lèon, underlining their intent to challenge strongly in all competitions.
With Pirates setting the pace in the title race and Sundowns reshaping their squad, speculation is unlikely to slow down. For now, however, one thing appears clear – despite the noise online, Khuliso Mudau remains firmly part of the Sundowns plans.