Khuliso Johnson Mudau also known as Sailorman (born 26 April 1995) is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a right back for Betway Premiership club Mamelodi Sundowns and the South Africa national team.[1]

Khuliso Mudau
Personal information
Full name Khuliso Johnson Mudau
Date of birth (1995-04-26) 26 April 1995 (age 31)
Place of birth Musina, South Africa
Height 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position Right back
Team information
Current team
Mamelodi Sundowns
Number 25
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
JDR Stars
2016–2017 Magesi 18 (1)
2017–2020 Black Leopards 63 (2)
2020– Mamelodi Sundowns 92 (3)
International career
2022– South Africa 30 (1)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 3 January 2026
‡ National team caps and goals as of 26 January 2024

Early life

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He was born in Messina – now known as Musina – in Limpopo.[2]

Club career

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After playing for JDR Stars, Magesi and Black Leopards, he signed for Mamelodi Sundowns on a five-year contract in October 2020.[3]

He scored in the first goal in 3–0 win against Malian side Stade Malien in the 2025–26 CAF Champions League first leg quarterfinal.[4]

Mudau was awarded the Outstanding Footballer of the Year in 2026 by the Icons of Africa Awards.[5]

Style of play

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Mudau plays as a right back.[3] He also specialises as a midfielder.[6]

International career

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On 1 December 2025, Mudau was called up to the South Africa squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.[7]

International

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As of match played 26 January 2024
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
South Africa 202240
202331
202440
Total111

International goals

Scores and results list South Africa's goal tally first.[8]
No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.18 November 2023Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, South Africa Benin2–02–12026 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

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South Africa

Mamelodi Sundowns

Individual

  • 2026 Icons of Africa Awards: Outstanding Footballer of the Year

References

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  1. Khuliso Mudau at Soccerway. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
  2. "Khuliso Mudau defends himself after two red cards in a row". Kick Off. 1 March 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  3. 1 2 "Sundowns announce Mudau capture and Mobbie's return". FourFourTwo. 9 October 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
  4. Modiba, Katlego (13 March 2026). "Sundowns brush aside poor Stade Malien to move closer to semis". The Citizen. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  5. "Mudau Earns 'Footballer Of The Year' Nod From Icons Of Africa". Soccer Laduma. 10 March 2026. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  6. "Zoutnet | Sport | Black Leopards away to collect more points". www.zoutnet.co.za. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  7. "TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 fever rises as Broos become first coach to unveil final squad". Confederation of African Football. 1 December 2025. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
  8. "Khuliso Mudau". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  9. Edwards, Piers (10 February 2024). "South Africa 0–0 DR Congo". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 12 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  10. Ngcatshe, Phumzile (10 November 2023). "Why winning AFL is special to Sundowns defender Mudau". The South African. Retrieved 15 March 2026.