Thabo Moloisane urged to force his way into Bafana Bafana contention

Kaizer Chiefs defender Thabo Moloisane has been told to maintain his form and consistency if he is to convince Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane that he deserves an international opportunity.

The centre-back outlined his ambition on Monday to move higher up the pecking order, despite strong competition for places in the national team. He reiterated that goal ahead of Kaizer Chiefs’ return to Betway Premiership action against Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium tonight.

Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo said Moloisane must avoid allowing the competition to affect his confidence or performances for his club.

“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,” Khumalo said.

Speaking alongside Khumalo on Soccer Zone, former midfielder Mark Haskins said the depth available to Bafana Bafana in central defence was greater than in any other position.

“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,” Haskins said.

The competition has intensified across both sides of the defence, with Haskins highlighting the increased number of options among left-footed and right-footed centre-backs.

Moloisane was previously part of the Bafana Bafana group under coach Hugo Broos. Haskins said that background would not make reclaiming a place any easier, given the number of defenders currently competing for selection.

The Kaizer Chiefs defender’s immediate opportunity to strengthen his case comes with the club’s Betway Premiership meeting with Stellenbosch FC, as he seeks to remain prominent in the national-team discussion.