Thabang Matuludi has gone from playing school football in Limpopo to earning Bafana Bafana call-ups and attracting attention from South Africa’s biggest clubs.
The Polokwane City right-back is one of the most talked-about defenders in the Betway Premiership right now.
In this article, you’ll find everything about Thabang Matuludi’s net worth, his estimated salary, contract status, career earnings, and how he built his financial profile from scratch.
Thabang Matuludi Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tholo Thabang Matuludi |
| Date of Birth | January 14, 1999 |
| Age | 27 |
| Place of Birth | Dennilton, Limpopo, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Height | 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Position | Right-Back / Defender |
| Current Club | Polokwane City FC |
| Jersey Number | 2 |
| Turned Professional | 2017 |
| International Team | South Africa (Bafana Bafana) |
| Transfer Market Value | €900,000 (~R18 million) |
| Estimated Net Worth | R2.5 million |
Early Life & Career
Thabang Matuludi grew up in Dennilton, a small town in the Sekhukhune District of Limpopo — an area not known for producing top-flight footballers.
He attended Kgahlanamorulana Secondary School, where his path into professional football began in the most informal way possible.
In an interview with FARPost, Matuludi recalled how his teacher, Lux Malaka, spotted him playing for his school and recruited him into a local football association (LFA) team in Jane Furse.
At that point, he was just 17 and primarily playing as a winger — a far cry from the attacking right-back role that would later define his career.
From the LFA team, Matuludi caught the attention of lower-division club King Born, where he spent two seasons (2017–2019) developing the defensive discipline and physical edge that would eventually make him one of the most coveted fullbacks in the country.
He then moved to The Dolphins (2019–2021), another lower-tier outfit, before earning the move that would change everything: Polokwane City.
Matuludi’s journey was far from glamorous. He navigated lower-tier South African football for years without the spotlight, but those difficult seasons shaped the resilience and technical quality that Betway Premiership fans now see every week.
Professional Career
Thabang Matuludi joined Polokwane City in 2021 while the club was still competing in the National First Division (now the Motsepe Foundation Championship).
He quickly established himself as a key player and was a central figure in the club’s promotion campaign.
Polokwane City won the 2022–23 National First Division title, earning promotion to the Betway Premiership — and Matuludi was right at the heart of it.
His debut in the top flight during the 2023–24 season was nothing short of impressive. As tracked by FBref, Matuludi made 29 league appearances in his first Premiership season, contributing 1 goal and 1 assist while quickly earning a reputation as one of the league’s most energetic and technically sound fullbacks.
By the 2024 winter transfer window, his form had drawn transfer interest from Stellenbosch FC and Cape Town City, according to Goal South Africa.
When the summer window arrived, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs had both entered the conversation. Polokwane City held firm on each occasion, keeping their key asset at the club.
Matuludi also overcame a serious knee injury during his professional career — a setback that could have derailed many players, but one he recovered from with determination and returned stronger.
His performances eventually caught the eye of then-Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, and Matuludi earned his first senior international call-up for the 2024 COSAFA Cup.
He has since featured in AFCON and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying squads, collecting two senior caps.
Polokwane City head coach Phuti Mohafe has described Matuludi publicly as the second-best right-back in the country, behind only Mamelodi Sundowns’ Khuliso Mudau.
Thabang Matuludi’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Thabang Matuludi’s has an estimated net worth of approximately R2.5 million.
He built this wealth through professional football contracts across South Africa’s lower leagues and, most significantly, through his ongoing role as a first-team starter for Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership.
Contract
Matuludi has been with Polokwane City since 2021 and remains contracted to the club. According to Transfermarkt, his market value currently stands at €900,000 — roughly R18 million — reflecting his steady growth into one of the league’s most sought-after defenders.
His specific contract expiry date has not been made public by the club. However, with Orlando Pirates reportedly closing in on a deal ahead of the 2026–27 season, a transfer could significantly alter both his contract situation and his earning power in the near term.
Salary
PSL player salaries in South Africa are not publicly disclosed by clubs, and Matuludi’s wage has not been officially confirmed.
Based on salary benchmarks for Betway Premiership players at mid-table clubs — where mid-level players typically earn between R100,000 and R300,000 per month, according to data compiled by sports salary analysts — Matuludi is estimated to earn approximately R120,000 to R150,000 per month at Polokwane City.
This figure aligns with his market value, national team recognition, and the fact that multiple top PSL clubs have actively tried to sign him.
If a move to Orlando Pirates materialises, his salary could increase substantially given the Buccaneers’ larger wage structure.
Career Earnings By Year
| Season | Club | Level | Est. Monthly Salary (ZAR) | Est. Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–2019 | King Born | Lower Tier | R5,000–R10,000 | ~R60,000–R120,000 |
| 2019–2021 | The Dolphins | Lower Tier | R10,000–R20,000 | ~R120,000–R240,000 |
| 2021–2022 | Polokwane City | National First Division | R30,000–R50,000 | ~R360,000–R600,000 |
| 2022–2023 | Polokwane City | NFD (Promotion Season) | R50,000–R80,000 | ~R600,000–R960,000 |
| 2023–2024 | Polokwane City | Betway Premiership | R90,000–R120,000 | ~R1.08M–R1.44M |
| 2024–2025 | Polokwane City | Betway Premiership | R120,000–R150,000 | ~R1.44M–R1.8M |
| 2025–2026 | Polokwane City | Betway Premiership | R130,000–R160,000 | ~R1.56M–R1.92M |
Career Statistics
| Season | Club | Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–2022 | Polokwane City | National First Division | — | — | — |
| 2022–2023 | Polokwane City | National First Division | — | — | — |
| 2023–2024 | Polokwane City | Betway Premiership | 29 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024–2025 | Polokwane City | Betway Premiership | 12 | 2 | 1 |
| 2025–2026 | Polokwane City | Betway Premiership | 12 | 1 | 0 |
International Career
| Year | Team | Competition | Apps |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | South Africa | 2024 COSAFA Cup | 1 |
| 2024–2026 | South Africa | AFCON / WC Qualifiers | 4 |
FAQs
What is Thabang Matuludi’s net worth?
Thabang Matuludi’s estimated net worth is approximately R2.5 million. He earned this through professional contracts at Polokwane City in both the National First Division and the Betway Premiership.
How much does Thabang Matuludi earn per month?
His monthly salary at Polokwane City is estimated at between R120,000 and R150,000, based on PSL salary benchmarks for players of his profile and market value at mid-table clubs.
What is Thabang Matuludi’s transfer market value?
Transfermarkt values Matuludi at €900,000 — roughly R18 million — making him one of the more valuable South African-born defenders in the Betway Premiership.
Is Thabang Matuludi joining Orlando Pirates?
According to Kick Off, negotiations between Orlando Pirates and Polokwane City are at an advanced stage as of May 2026. A source told the publication that Matuludi is expected to become a Pirates player for the 2026–27 season.
How many caps does Thabang Matuludi have for Bafana Bafana?
Matuludi has earned at least two confirmed senior caps for South Africa, having been selected for the 2024 COSAFA Cup squad and subsequently appearing in AFCON and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures under head coach Hugo Broos.
