Kaizer Chiefs legend Tsepo Masilela believes the club must recruit proven Bafana Bafana-quality players if they are to close the gap on Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
Amakhosi had limited representation at the recent FIFA World Cup, with only defender Bradley Cross making Hugo Broos’ squad.
Speaking on the current Chiefs squad, Masilela identified goalkeeper Brandon Petersen and attacking midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala as the two players with the potential to become regular Bafana Bafana internationals.
He believes Petersen was unfortunate to miss out on the World Cup, while Shabalala still needs to produce consistently to force his way into the national team.
“If Mdu plays well, he stands a chance. You look at the Bafana team which played in the World Cup, we didn’t really have a number 10. If Mdu can score more, he’ll make the squad. Sometimes it’s about the numbers,” Masilela said on Soccerbeat.
The former Chiefs left-back also stressed that the Soweto giants still have work to do if they are to challenge Sundowns and Pirates consistently.
Chiefs should sign Bafana playeers, says Masilela
Masilela feels signing established Bafana Bafana players would significantly strengthen the squad and pointed to midfielder Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole as the type of player Chiefs should target.
“Trying to close the gap, you have to sign quality players. They finished third, it’s not a bad position, so let’s try and improve. When you mention signings, it will be nice to see them signing Bafana stars,” Masilela added.
“There were talks about Yaya. He is someone that can come to the team and give the midfield a boost. Chiefs don’t have a bad midfield, but they need a number six that’s going to complement the other midfield players,” said the former Bafana Bafana defender.
Chiefs have already strengthened their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season, but Masilela believes adding more established South African internationals could be the key to helping the club compete for major honours once again.
