Hugo Broos justifies decision to call-up Mduduzi Shabalala for Bafana Bafana’s games against Zimbabwe and Rwanda

The head coach of South Africa, Hugo Broos, has opened up about his decision to include Mduduzi Shabalala in his Bafana Bafana squad for the last two matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder has been drafted into the Bafana Bafana squad to replace Relebohile Mofokeng, who picked up an injury in his side’s 1-0 win over Siwelele FC.

The young Amakhosi playmaker has featured in 10 matches for Chiefs this season and was part of the previous Bafana Bafana camp, although he did not make an appearance in the games against Nigeria or Lesotho.

Now, with South Africa set to face Zimbabwe on Friday and Rwanda next Tuesday, the 21-year-old could be handed his long-awaited debut as Bafana push to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

Broos believes Shabalala’s qualities make him an ideal fit for the attacking midfield role behind the striker

“I think if you see the games of Chiefs, I think Mduduzi is someone who is in action, he knows where to run when there is a space,” he said when asked what the Chiefs player brings.

Broos added, “For me, his best position is behind the striker, so if we use him, it will be in that position.”