Thabiso Monyane Eyes Bafana Bafana Call-Up After Impressive Chiefs Start

Kaizer Chiefs defender Thabiso Monyane is determined to earn a spot in South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations squad, despite a season disrupted by injuries. The 25-year-old made a high-profile switch from Orlando Pirates earlier this year and has impressed in his early outings for the Naturena side, showing glimpses of the quality that made him a standout at his former club.

Monyane has already featured in seven Premier Soccer League matches this season, registering one assist and maintaining a disciplined record with just one yellow card. His performances have demonstrated composure, clean defending, and decisive contributions at the back, making him a strong candidate for national team consideration once fully fit.

The Tembisa-born defender has a rich international history, having represented South Africa at U17, U20, and U23 levels. Monyane credits those experiences with shaping him into the player he is today. “It’s been quite good representing the country at all junior national team levels. It has shaped me to who I am because now I’ve got a grasp and feeling of how to play African football and European football. That experience has really helped me a lot,” he explained.

Monyane added that exposure to continental competitions has prepared him for the physical and tactical demands of African football. “Going on the continent has given me exposure and a taste of how it is to play in the heat; in different countries, and the physicality of the opponents is different from what we are used to here at home,” he said. He also reflected on past World Cup encounters, including matches against Portugal at the U20 level, noting the lessons learned from competing against top talent like Rafael Leão.

While previously sidelined due to injury and missing out on Hugo Broos’ squad in August, Monyane remains optimistic about his Bafana Bafana prospects. “I’m still hopeful. I know what I can bring to the team. I’ll keep working, keep pushing – because you never know. There will always be competition, especially looking at our league, which is one of the biggest in Africa,” he said.

He acknowledged the level of competition for his position but believes hard work and self-belief can open opportunities. “I look at myself and say I am competing with the best, and to be seen as one of the best right backs in the country is a blessing. The Bafana opportunity is there; it is up to me to grab it,” Monyane added.

Chiefs travel to Egypt for their CAF Confederation Cup Group D opener against Al Masry on Sunday, a match that could provide another platform for Monyane to shine. A strong performance in Africa would not only reinforce his value at Chiefs but also send a clear message to the national team coach that he is ready to compete at the highest level.

If Monyane can maintain fitness and continue his form, he could join the select group of players who have represented both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on the continental stage, while also reigniting his ambitions with Bafana Bafana ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.