Polokwane City suffer major Thabang Matuludi blow

The duo are out nursing injuries suffered in recent matches with scans confirming that Matuludi will need surgery, while Nkwe has already gone under the knife and has been ruled out for at least three months.

Matuludi has started 12 of City’s 14 Betway Premiership fixtures so far in this campaign but raised concerns when he had to be stretched off last week in the 1-0 win over SuperSport United at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

It’s understood the 26-year-old has tone ligaments in his knee and with surgery required it means the right back is also expected to be sidelined for around three months, leaving City thin in defense.

Matuludi has been the subject of much speculation with reports linking him to Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, although nothing official has emerged.

The player was also part of the COSAFA Cup squad under coach Helman Mkhalele in June last year, a call up he earned after missing just one league game for Rise and Shine during the 2023-25 campaign.

Nkwe was also making strides in his career having featured in 20 of the 30 matches for City in the same season – and he’d been able to build from that by starting and finishing the club’s first 11 matches in the new one.

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However, it’s been confirmed to the public broadcaster that surgery has officially ruled him out until April with a review on whether he will need more time to recover and the same will apply to Matuludi.