Kaizer Chiefs Starlet Mduduzi Shabalala Reacts to Bafana Bafana Call-Up

Kaizer Chiefs youngster Mduduzi Shabalala has expressed his excitement after being named in the preliminary Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The 21-year-old attacker is among the 48 players selected for the fixtures against Lesotho and Nigeria.

Bafana Bafana will host Lesotho on 5 September at Free State Stadium before welcoming Nigeria to the same venue on 9 September. The matches form part of South Africa’s bid to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Shabalala, who has started all three of Amakhosi’s league matches this season, earned his call-up after a strong 2023/24 campaign. Last season, he made 33 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing three assists. His growth and consistency have made him a central figure in Chiefs’ attacking lineup.

Although he has not yet represented South Africa at senior level, Shabalala has featured regularly in the country’s youth teams. He played for the Under-17, Under-20, and Under-23 sides, and was part of the COSAFA Cup squad in June. His inclusion in the latest senior squad highlights his steady rise in South African football.

Speaking during Chiefs’ media open day, Shabalala shared his thoughts on the call-up.

“I think it is everyone’s dream to play for Bafana or to represent their national team,” he said. “For me, I just need to really work hard in the next two games so I can put myself in a good position. It’s not easy because we have seen how the team is performing, with the consistency around everyone and the players. So for me, it is all about doing my job and waiting for the right moment. I believe that the right moment is now; it will happen now.”

The call-up comes at a crucial time for the young attacker. Chiefs face defending league champions Mamelodi Sundowns in their next DStv Premiership clash at FNB Stadium. The match will be a stern test for Shabalala, who will be eager to maintain form and strengthen his case for a spot in Hugo Broos’ final squad.

With South Africa aiming to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, the involvement of young talents like Shabalala provides a glimpse of the future. His performances in the coming weeks will play a big role in determining whether he earns his first senior cap.