Kaizer Chiefs star Mduduzi Shabalala eyes opportunity amid Bafana injuries

Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala is determined to make the most of his opportunity after earning a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.

Bafana face Lesotho on Friday at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, before taking on Nigeria on Tuesday, likely at the Free State Stadium. 

Coach Hugo Broos’ side is looking to extend their five-point lead at the top of Group C.

Shabalala is one of several new faces in the squad. Injuries and dips in form have forced Broos to make numerous changes compared to the team that overcame Lesotho and Benin in the March qualifiers.

The 21-year-old has been rewarded for a strong start to the season with Chiefs, who have collected 13 points from a possible 15 in their opening five Premiership games.

“The next step is to work hard and maintain my position in the team,” Shabalala said this week.

“It is not easy, there are players with more experience than us, who are better than us. We need to play our part … and be here in the next camps (too).”

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi’s trusted attackers over the last 15 months. 

Although he is yet to record a goal or assist this season, Shabalala has been key in Amakhosi’s fine start to the 2025/2026 season. 

Shabalala’s inclusion is also influenced by his recent performances at the Cosafa Cup, where Bafana reached the final in June. 

He believes the tournament helped showcase his abilities and catch Broos’ attention.

“It was a good platform for us to showcase our game, and to prove to the coach that we want to be in the ‘first’ squad,” he added.

Broos, meanwhile, has insisted he has full confidence in the squad despite the absences. 

Regular Bafana players Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Siphesihle Sithole, Thapelo Morena, Themba Zwane, Elias Mokwana and Patrick Maswanganyi will all miss the two matches.

Bafana will train in Johannesburg until Thursday, before heading to Bloemfontein. 

The Lesotho game was moved from their home country due to FIFA concerns over pitch conditions, and the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium will host the qualifier instead.

For Shabalala, the coming games represent a chance to cement his place in the squad. 

Strong performances against Lesotho and Nigeria could see him feature regularly in Broos’ plans as South Africa continue their quest for World Cup qualification.