Chiefs Star Aiming For  Regular Bafana spot

Kaizer Chiefs sensation Mduduzi Shabalala is ready to make his mark on the international stage. The 21-year-old has officially been named in the final 23-man Bafana Bafana squad for the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria. 

After shining through the preliminary squad, Shabalala has his sights set on becoming a permanent fixture in the national team.

This call-up is a testament to his electrifying start to the new season with Amakhosi. Kaizer Chiefs are on a tear, having gone unbeaten in their first five league games with a record of four wins and one draw. 

For Shabalala, this is more than just a call-up—it's a massive chance to help his country punch its ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

‘WE’RE HERE TO HELP THE TEAM’

“I think it’s a big for opportunity for us and for us in our careers. It’s everyone’s dream to play for this country,” Shabalala said.

“We’re also here to help the team to win the games and qualify for the World Cup.”

Facing fierce competition from seasoned veterans, Shabalala has his sights set on more than just a temporary call-up. He is resolute in his goal to secure a permanent place in Hugo Broos’s Bafana squad, ready to compete for a spot and establish himself as a long-term asset to the national team.

“I think to be where I am now the next step is to work hard and retain my position in this team cause obviously it’s not easy,” he added.

“There are players who have more experience, I can say who are better than us [new faces in the team] and we need to show and play our part as players so we can be here in the next camp.”