Burnley highly likely to land South African international

Khuliso Mudau, a defender for Mamelodi Sundowns, has stated that he would prefer to transfer to the Premier League in light of Burnley’s alleged interest.

The 28-year-old has been a vital member of his team thus far this season, assisting the Sundowns in their victory over Wydad AC, the formidable Moroccan team, in the African Football League final.

This season, Mudau has appeared in four South African Premier Soccer League games. Mamelodi, on the other hand, has a perfect record in the league after winning eight of their first nine games.

The right-back has also made six appearances for his country, South Africa, where he scored his first goal on Saturday in a 2-1 victory over Benin in a CAF World Cup qualifying match.

Mudau will soon be leaving his own country for the first time in his football career, according to South African news source SNL 24.

According to the article, the right-back, who has made 101 appearances for the Sundowns since signing in September 2020, is reportedly of interest to Burnley under Vincent Kompany.

Several possible European suitors have expressed interest in the six-time international due to his form for club and country, even if it is thought that the Clarets have not yet made a formal approach.

Speaking to the South African Football Association earlier in the international break, Mudau explained how he would be open to switching to the Premier League and Turf Moor.

“Obviously, there are rumours here and there but I’m focusing on my team, which is Mamelodi Sundowns. But if an opportunity like that [playing for Burnley] can come, obviously I’ll just take it,” Mudau told his national side’s media.

A move to Burnley would see the right-back link up with compatriot Lyle Foster, who joined Kompany’s ranks in January from Belgian Pro League outfit Westerlo.

The 23-year-old has been the Clarets’ leading marksman in the opening stages of the top-flight season, scoring three goals in seven games, however the striker is currently taking a break from football to receive mental health treatment.

With the former Orlando Pirates forward absent, Premier League veteran Jay Rodriguez has been handed more game time in the league in recent weeks, starting up front with Zeki Amdouni for the defeat at Arsenal last time out.

Unlike at left-back – where the failure to sign Ian Maatsen in the closing stages of the summer window has left Burnley short of options – the Clarets are well stocked in the right-back department, with Connor Roberts and Vitinho both capable of playing the position.

Madau will be looking to help South Africa to another victory as they travel to Rwanda for their second World Cup qualifier on Tuesday afternoon, with a maximum enough to extend their lead over section favourites Nigeria to four points.