Doctor Khumalo challenges Thabo Moloisane to force his way into Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana plans

Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo has challenged Thabo Moloisane to maintain his form and consistency to make himself impossible for Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane to overlook amid fierce competition for defensive places.

Moloisane has set his sights on climbing the pecking order in the national team, but Khumalo believes the defender must remain positive and concentrate on his performances at club level if he hopes to strengthen his international prospects.

The centre-back reiterated his ambitions ahead of Kaizer Chiefs’ Betway Premiership encounter against Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night, with the former midfielder stressing that the defender should not allow the competition to undermine his confidence.

Khumalo urges Moloisane to stay positive

Khumalo acknowledged the crowded competition for places in the Bafana Bafana defence but encouraged Moloisane to embrace the challenge rather than become discouraged by the quality of players ahead of him.

The former Chiefs captain believes a negative mindset could affect the defender’s performances for his club and ultimately undermine his chances of earning a national team call-up.

“I think you shouldn’t underestimate yourself. You need to stay positive because the minute you start thinking about something that’s going to happen, you make it happen, and this will affect your game at your club because you have a negative mindset. So I want to say to the boy, yes, it’s crowded, but be part of the crowd,” said Khumalo.

His message comes as Moloisane seeks to establish himself more firmly in the national team setup, having previously been part of the group under former Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.

For the defender, maintaining his standards at Kaizer Chiefs could prove crucial as he attempts to convince the national team technical team that he deserves another opportunity.

Haskins highlights Bafana’s defensive riches

Former midfielder Mark Haskins, who joined Khumalo on Soccer Zone, believes Moloisane faces a difficult battle because of the depth of options available to Bafana Bafana in central defence.

Haskins argued that the national team is now better equipped in the position than in previous years, with competition extending across both sides of the central defensive pairing.

“Right now, in terms of depth, that’s our best position. The coach is spoiled for choice, and we are even at a point now where we separate center-backs; there are left center-backs and there are right center-backs, and we’re spoiled for choice on both sides. In the past, we struggled with left-footed center-backs; now we have a plethora of choices,” said Haskins.

The former midfielder’s assessment underlines the challenge facing Moloisane as he seeks to regain a place in the national team picture.

With several defenders competing for limited spots, consistent performances and the ability to meet the coaching staff’s tactical demands could determine who earns selection.

Club performances key to international ambitions

Moloisane’s immediate focus will be on delivering for Kaizer Chiefs as they return to league action against Stellenbosch FC.

Strong displays at club level would give the defender an opportunity to strengthen his case for international recognition, although the competition means there are no guarantees of a recall.

Khumalo’s advice is for Moloisane to concentrate on what he can control rather than become preoccupied with the players competing for the same position.

While Haskins believes Bafana Bafana have considerable strength in central defence, Khumalo has urged the Chiefs defender not to view that depth as an obstacle to his ambitions.

Instead, Moloisane must continue to perform consistently and put himself in contention for selection as he pursues his goal of returning to the national team setup.