Kaizer Chiefs’ Mduduzi Shabalala has opened up on his chances of being included in the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The now 22-year-old was included in the South African national team squad for the first time in September, sitting on the bench for Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria in Bloemfontein.
He came off the bench in the country’s final qualifier against Rwanda, making a late cameo as Bafana Bafana secured its place at the global showpiece for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
The youngster was one of three players on standby as a non-travelling reserve for the recent 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Shabalala has started 12 and played in all 15 of AmaKhosi’s Betway Premiership games this season, as well as appearing in all four of Chief’s CAF Confederation Cup group games.
The talented attacker has managed five goal contributions in the league,and believes that consistency in performance and continued hard work will put him in contention for the tournament.
Not worried about outside noise, Shabalala knows what needs to be done to reach his goals.
“The talks mean nothing, mine is to work hard and raise my hand in my club,” said Shabalala, according to iDiski Times.
“I believe that one day I’ll get an opportunity to go and represent my national team.”
