Kaizer Chiefs had no players in the most-recent 23-man Bafana Bafana squad announced by coach Hugo Broos.
By contrast, bitter Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates had six players in the squad that took on Panama in two international friendlies.
However, there are two players from Amakhosi and the Bucs who could still make the final cut for FIFA World Cup 2026 and the honour of representing South Africa.
KAIZER CHIEFS CAPTAIN VS ORLANDO PIRATES STARLET FOR FIFA WORLD CUP SPOT
Broos recently made two very strong admissions.
Firstly, he said he was considering selecting Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen in his squad against Panama.
However, he ended up not selecting the Amakhosi goalkeeper due to injury.
This suggests Petersen has caught Broos’ attention and is in the Bafana Bafana coach’s plans with the FIFA World Cup around the corner.
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Stellar performances
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates shot-stopper Sipho Chaine was excluded from the recent Bafana Bafana squad.
This left fans perplexed after his stellar performances and form in the Betway Premiership.
The Bucs number one has kept 13 clean sheets to date and has been brilliant in goal for Orlando Pirates.
So, why was he not selected?
As reported on The South African, Chaine’s omission was attributed to disciplinary issues.
This suggests he still has a very good chance of making the Bafana Bafana squad in time for FIFA World Cup 2026.
PETERSEN OR CHAINE TO MAKE THE CUT?
As things stand, Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams is the clear first-choice goalkeeper. No questions asked.
The question is, which two goalkeepers will join him on the plane to the United States, Mexico and Canada?
Rivaldo Coetzee has been the second-choice and back-up to Williams over the past few seasons, so he is also very likely to be on the plane.
This leaves Kaizer Chiefs captain Petersen and the in-form Chaine, as well as the current third choice, Renaldo Leaner from Sekhukhune United.
VERDICT: Chaine has to be the favourite based on his form in the PSL, both in the Betway Premiership and across all other cup competitions.
If he resolves his disciplinary issues, the Orlando Pirates shot-stopper is expected to be selected ahead of both Petersen and Leaner.
Who should be Bafana Bafana’s three goalkeepers at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Let us know in the comments section below …
