‘Kaizer Chiefs players don’t deserve World Cup spots’ – Ex-goalkeeper backs Hugo Broos

Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Innocent Mayoyo believes the absence of Kaizer Chiefs players in the latest South Africa national football team squad is justified, insisting none of the club’s current players merit selection ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos last week named a preliminary squad for upcoming friendlies against Panama later this month, but the list did not include a single Chiefs player. The decision has sparked debate among supporters of the Soweto giants, who remain one of the biggest clubs in South African football.

Mayoyo, however, believes the omission reflects the team’s struggles this season. According to the former shot-stopper, the club’s collective dip in form makes it difficult to justify international call-ups.

“I believe this selection is a sign that none of the Kaizer Chiefs players are going to the World Cup; they are currently not doing well,” Mayoyo said.

“No, Kaizer Chiefs players should not be in the World Cup squad. They are not doing well. What is happening at Chiefs is strange; it’s not normal for a whole team to underperform. If a team is not doing well, then it means the players are not doing well.”

Chiefs’ recent form has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. Since early February, the club has endured a difficult run that saw them eliminated from the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup. A narrow 1-0 victory over Durban City recently ended a four-match losing streak across all competitions.

With the World Cup fast approaching, Mayoyo believes Broos should now concentrate on building cohesion within the group already identified.

“What the Bafana Bafana coach needs to do now, since the World Cup is less than three months away, is to focus on the pool of his 38-man squad,” he added.

Despite their struggles, Chiefs still have time to revive their season. With 11 league matches remaining, a strong finish could see the club push for a top-three place and potentially force Broos to reconsider one or two players before the World Cup squad is finalised.