Mandla Masango backs two Kaizer Chiefs stars for future Bafana Bafana call-ups

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Mandla Masango believes Mduduzi Shabalala and Brandon Petersen have the potential to earn places in the Bafana Bafana squad despite the Soweto club having no representatives in the latest national team selection.

South Africa head coach Pitso Mosimane has left out all Kaizer Chiefs players from his 27-man squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya, prompting questions about the quality of the club’s current squad.

The absence of Amakhosi players has attracted attention, particularly given the club’s status in South African football. However, Masango believes the situation should not necessarily be viewed negatively, arguing that the increasing competition for national team places reflects the development of the domestic game.

The former winger has identified Shabalala and goalkeeper Petersen as two players who could move closer to representing their country if they maintain their performances.

Masango identifies Chiefs players with Bafana potential

Masango admitted that missing out on a national team selection would naturally be disappointing for players at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.

However, he believes the growing competition for places in the Bafana Bafana squad is evidence of improving standards across the country’s football landscape.

“Of course, it’s not a pleasant feeling, but it also shows that the level of football in South Africa is progressing,” he said.

He also stressed that selection should be determined by a player’s nationality and performances rather than the club they represent.

“It doesn’t matter which club you play for: as long as you have a South African identity card and you can play for Bafana, you’ll get your chance.

“I think Mduduzi [Shabalala] is quietly knocking on the door of the Bafana, and Brandon Petersen was also performing well before the [FIFA 2026] World Cup. So I think they’re not that far off; sometimes it all comes down to luck.”

His comments suggest that the absence of Chiefs players from the latest selection does not mean the club lacks footballers capable of competing for international recognition.

Shabalala’s performances have placed him among the players Masango believes could attract the attention of the national team technical team, while Petersen’s displays before the 2026 FIFA World Cup have also strengthened his case.

Previous Bafana call-ups offer encouragement for Chiefs

Although no Kaizer Chiefs player features in the latest 27-man squad, the club has had representatives involved with the national team in recent months.

Midfielder Lebohang Maboe received a Bafana Bafana call-up during the previous international window but was forced to withdraw after suffering an injury.

Defender Bradley Cross also featured for South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Their involvement demonstrates that Chiefs players have remained part of the national team picture, even though none has been included in Mosimane’s latest selection.

For the remaining members of the squad, the challenge will be to produce performances that strengthen their chances of earning future opportunities.

Carling Knockout offers another opportunity

Kaizer Chiefs will have another chance to showcase their players as they continue their campaign in the Carling Knockout Cup.

The Soweto club have secured a place in the semi-finals after overcoming Siwelele FC in the quarter-finals.

They now face a difficult assignment against Mamelodi Sundowns, with a place in the final at stake.

The competition provides an important opportunity for Chiefs players to demonstrate their individual quality and make a stronger case for national team consideration.

For Shabalala and Petersen in particular, consistent performances could help them move closer to the international recognition Masango believes they deserve.

While the latest Bafana Bafana squad contains no Kaizer Chiefs representatives, the former winger remains convinced that the club has players capable of breaking into the national team in the future.