'My heart is here ...' Khuliso Mudau quashes Orlando Pirates transfer rumours

Khuliso Mudau has dismissed reports linking him with a move to Orlando Pirates this summer, pledging his loyalty to his current club, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mudau spoke before returning to the Sundowns starting line-up in the 2–2 draw with Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League group stage at Loftus Versfeld. He had previously been rested during the season restart against Orbit College following his AFCON commitments.

“I think one of my friends sent me something like that, saying, ‘I am going to Orlando Pirates,’ which I don’t even know about,” he told the club’s media department on Friday night.

A few weeks ago, reports emerged that Mudau was in talks with Pirates over a potential move, which allegedly led to Monnapule Saleng — who was on loan at Orbit College — joining Sundowns.

Given Mudau’s challenges with the club earlier this season amid reported “contractual issues” and the unpredictability of moves in the local top flight, the talks came as a surprise to many within the football fraternity.

The rumours of the pending move intensified to the extent that, shortly after they surfaced, Polokwane City's right-back and Mudau’s understudy at Bafana Bafana, Thabang Matuludi, was linked with a move to Chloorkop as a possible replacement for the 30-year-old.

Mudau has since vowed that his heart is fully set on Sundowns, insisting that his focus is on helping the club win a second continental crown this season and secure a record-extending ninth consecutive league title.

“I am focused on Mamelodi Sundowns,” Mudau added.

“I am 100% here. My heart is here. I want to achieve things with the team. I want to help the team. I don’t know what the talks are about or whatever they are saying, but I am here 100%.”