Bafana Bafana: Kaizer Chiefs Star Reacts to Surprise Hugo Broos’ Call Up Ahead of WCQ

• Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala has commented on making the final Bafana Bafana squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Lesotho and Nigeria
• The South African midfielder was the only player from Kaizer Chiefs included in Hugo Broos' final Bafana Bafana squad with Bradley Cross being dropped
• Shabalala also also opened up on what it is expected of him as an attacking midfielder while explaining what he needed to do to make the final list

Kaizer Chiefs star Mduduzi Shabalala has shared his thoughts after earning his maiden call-up into the South African national team ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Lesotho.

The Glamour Boys star was the only player from the Soweto giants to make the final 23-man squad released by Hugo Broos for their upcoming games.

The Belgian gaffer initially added two Kaizer Chiefs players to his 48-man preliminary squad before trimming his list to 23. Bradley Cross was also included in the initial squad but failed to make the final list.

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Shabalala on making Broos' final Bafana squad

In an interview ahead of Kaizer Chiefs' clash with Lamontville Golden Arrows, Shabalala reflected on making the final squad list for Bafana Bafana's upcoming World Cup qualifiers in September 2025.

The South African midfielder admitted that representing Bafana Bafana is every player's dream, and for him, it’s no different. The 21-year-old star also mentioned what he needed to do to earn a place in the team.

"Every player dreams of representing Bafana Bafana, and for me, it’s no different," said Shabalala.

"I know I need to work hard over the next two games to earn my place. The team has been performing consistently well, so selection isn’t easy.

"So I need to stay focused, do my job, and be ready when the right moment comes—if it’s now, then I’ll be ready."

The Kaizer Chiefs academy graduate outlines what is expected from him as an attacking midfielder.

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"As an attacking midfielder, contributing with goals and assists is crucial. The numbers matter, and that’s what I’m working on, improving my stats and making a bigger impact," he added.

Shabalala and his Kaizer Chiefs teammates will face Manqoba Mngqithi's Golden Arrows this weekend as they hope to extend their unbeaten run into the international break.

Bafana Bafana's next matches in WCQ

Bafana Bafana are already on course to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup which would be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Broos' side are top of their qualifying group with 13 points and need to avoid dropping points against Lesotho and Nigeria when they face them at the Free State Stadium, in Bloemfontein in September, 2025.

The most anticipated match between the two fixtures is the game against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Broos reacts to Nigeria's push for Bafana's punishment

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Broos names final Bafana squad for WCQ, Chiefs star in, Sundowns trio miss out

Briefly News also reported that Broos reacted to Nigeria’s involvement in the controversy that involves Mamelodi Sundowns midfieder Teboho Mokoena.

The South African midfielder finds himself at the centre of a World Cup qualifier controversy after featuring in a match he was expected to be suspended.

Source: Briefly News