Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala replaces injured Relebohile Mofokeng in South Africa squad

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala has earned a late call up to join the South African national team camp for the must-win clashes against Zimbabwe and Rwanda in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Shabalala joins the Bafana Bafana squad for the two crucial games as a replacement for Orlando Pirates star, Relebohile Mofokeng.

The enterprising attacker suffered an injury setback at the weekend while in action for Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout last 16 last Saturday against Siwelele FC.

The 20-year-old star had to withdraw from Bafana Bafana’s squad to face Zimbabwe and Rwanda this week, with Shabalala stepping in as a replacement.

“We had to replace Rele Mofokeng because of the injury he got on Saturday,” Broos told the media at a press conference held Monday afternoon at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.

Shabalala, 21, has been impressive for Kaizer Chiefs in the current football campaign, scoring one goals in 10 appearances.

South Africa, tied on 14 points with Benin in the race for a place at the FIFA 2026 World Cup, face Zimbabwe on 10 October in Durban and Rwanda on 14 October in Mbombela.