Kaizer Chiefs’ Inacio Miguel open to Angola return under Aliou Cisse

Kaizer Chiefs vice-captain Inacio Miguel says he would welcome a return to the Angola national team, although the defender insists his immediate priority is helping his club through a demanding run of fixtures.

Miguel, 30, has not represented Angola since 2023. The centre-back made his senior international debut five years ago in a FIFA World Cup qualifier and could now have a fresh opportunity after the appointment of Aliou Cisse as the national team’s new coach.

The defender has been a regular presence for Kaizer Chiefs since joining from Petro de Luanda. His form and consistency have kept him central to the club’s plans, while the change in leadership at international level has raised the possibility of his return to The Red Devils.

Miguel did not hide his ambition to play for Angola again, but said he would not allow speculation over a possible call-up to distract him from his responsibilities with Kaizer Chiefs.

“I can’t lie, I would say that I would love to be back in the national team but I’m very focused right now on the goals with Chiefs, we have a lot of competition, we have a lot of games to play, I can’t be playing against Sekhukhune or Sundowns, thinking if I should be called again to the national team,” Miguel said.

His comments underline the defender’s focus on the domestic campaign, with Kaizer Chiefs facing a busy schedule that includes matches against Sekhukhune and Sundowns. Miguel said his attention was on preparing for each fixture rather than considering whether the new Angola management team might select him.

“It’s not even on my mind, on my mind is [the upcoming opposition] I’m not thinking about coach Aliou or the national team, because it’s not my next move, my next move is being fit, training well and being prepared for being a choice for the coach [da Cruz].”

Miguel has made 64 appearances for Kaizer Chiefs, scoring four goals since his arrival from Petro de Luanda. He was also part of the squad that won the Nedbank Cup in 2025, when Kaizer Chiefs defeated Orlando Pirates in the final.

That victory ended the club’s decade-long wait for a trophy and marked an important achievement during Miguel’s time at the South African club. The vice-captain’s contribution has come as he has established himself as an ever-present figure in the Kaizer Chiefs defence.

For now, however, Miguel’s stated priority is maintaining his fitness, performing in training and being ready for selection by coach da Cruz at club level. A return to Angola remains an ambition, but any decision over his international future will depend on whether he is selected under Cisse’s new leadership.