Kaizer Chief coach Ben Youssef Khalid is hoping that his midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala will make the South Africa squad for the impending 2026 World Cup tournament to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The global showpiece will featured an expanded 48 teams, with Africa securing one of Africa’s nine automatic slots for the tournament.
However, coach Ben Youssef has weighed in, stressing he hopes the diminutive player makes the Bafana Bafana World Cup squad.
“I just hope he will continue and be part of Bafana in the World Cup,” said Ben Youssef.
Shabalala has been a key figure in Amakhosi’s redemption in recent seasons and scored 11 goals so far in all competitions which has seen his side look like real title contenders this season.
Kaizer Chiefs are in the top three of the PSL standings and look like dark horses to the Betway Premiership honours.
“To us as Chiefs players, we take one game at a time, we don’t focus on what competitions are left,” added Shabalala.
“We take each game as important, do our best. We hope that when the season ends, we can take one thing.”
The enterprising midfielder marked his 100th appearance for Kaizer Chiefs at the weekend, helping the Soweto giants to secure victory over Zesco United in the fourth round of the CAF Confederation Cup last Sunday.
Shabalala made his debut three seasons ago under then manager Arthur Zwane and has since established himself as a key member of the team.
