Bafana Bafana have qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026. Now, it’s time for these Kaizer Chiefs stars to step up if they wish to be part of Hugo Broos’s squad in eight months’ time.
Bafana Bafana booked their spot at the tournament that will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, on Tuesday night.
All South African professionals now have added motivation to make it into the Bafana Bafana side.
Here’s a look at THREE Kaizer Chiefs stars who could make it into the national side in time for next year’s World Cup.
No players in Bafana Bafana set-up
As things stand, Kaizer Chiefs have no players involved in the current national set-up.
Hugo Broos has continued to overlook Amakhosi players in his recent Bafana Bafana squads.
There were no Amakhosi players in the recent squad that hosted Zimbabwe and Rwanda in crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Instead, Broos has selected the majority of his players from PSL rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
Now, with the global showpiece around the corner, Amakhosi stars are left with no choice but to pull up their socks if they are going to make it into Broos’s final 26-man World Cup squad when it matters most.
THREE AMAKHOSI STARS WITH THE BEST CHANCE OF REPRESENTING BAFANA BAFANA
For several Kaizer Chiefs players, it’s not a case of ‘not being good enough’, but rather rediscovering form and playing to their full potential over a sustained period of time.
Rushwin Dortley, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Mduduzi Shabalala and Sibongiseni Mthethwa have all been a part of the Bafana Bafana set-up before.
Of these, Dortley, Ndlovu and Shabalala are arguably the Amakhosi players with the best chances of making the final cut.
RUSHWIN DORTLEY
Dortley fits Broos’s preference for modern defenders who can build from the back. Since joining Kaizer Chiefs from Cape Town Spurs, Dortley has shown consistency, physical strength, and tactical awareness far beyond his 23-years of age.
His ability to read the game, win aerial duels, and contribute to transitions makes him an option for national duty, especially as South Africa look to solidify its backline.
For Dortley, key will be returning to fitness and rediscovering his form.
SIPHESIHLE NDLOVU
Similiarly, for Ndlovu, the Amakhosi midfielder has experience at both club and international level.
He’s a dynamic box-to-box midfielder who can also play out wide or as a defensive anchor and is known for his pressing, ball recovery, and work rate.
Ndlovu earned Bafana Bafana caps under former coaches Stuart Baxter and Molefi Ntseki, featuring in COSAFA Cup and AFCON qualifiers, where he impressed with his composure and tactical discipline.
MDUDUZI SHABALALA
Shabalala is the most recent Amakhosi player to have been called up to a training camp under Broos. The skilful midfielder is versatile and is terrific with the ball at his feet, as well as being a confident player. He boasts excellent vision too.
In my opinion, he is one of the Glamour Boys’ best players at the moment. Therefore, for ‘Mdu or die” it really is a case of ‘do or die’ with the clock ticking.
CHIEFS STARS WITH BIG DECISIONS TO MAKE OVER THEIR FUTURES
Finally, for Sibongiseni Mthethwa and other Kaizer Chiefs players, it’s time to decide whether they need to pursue another team (in search of playing time) or whether to remain at Naturena and trust the process.
Form is essential to being selected.
While leaving the Soweto giants does not guarantee national selection, nor does staying and sitting on the bench while playing second-fiddle to a team-mate.
