Mamelodi Sundowns could have felt the absence of Khuliso Mudau more against Orlando Pirates, with Kamogelo Sebelebele tipped to give his new club what The Brazilians miss in the fullback.
Mudau has not featured for Sundowns in the new season, after he also did not report for duty in their short pre-season in Rustenburg following their extended break post the FIFA Club World Cup.
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The 30-year-old's contract expired at the end of June and only continued playing at the side on a short-term deal, after FIFA made provision for such with players involved in the Club World Cup.
Mudau received rave reviews for his performances at the global tournament and should he move abroad, there are suggestions Pirates could have found a similar player in Sebelebele, who appeared more impactful playing as a wingback rather than as a winger in the first leg of MTN8 semi-final.
"Sundowns misses their right back, Khuliso Mudau. The reason is Mudau is not a natural right-back, he's a right winger that was converted to be a right-back. So, when Sundowns have Mudau, they have an extra advantage in attack," former Bucs midfielder Xola Mlambo said on Switch On Network YouTube Channel.
"Because (going forward) Khuliso is going to give you an attack as a winger and because he has attributes as a defender, defensively he gives you a balance. So, Sebelebele is a natural right winger as well, who was converted to play as a right back because he also has the ability to play as a right back.
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Bucs were struggling to replace Thabiso Monyane at right-back since he joined Kaizer Chiefs, with Tshepo Mashiloane and, to a degree, Deano Van Rooyen not living up to expectations.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images