Two Kaizer Chiefs players could soon become Bafana Bafana players at the start of the 2024-2025 season is anything to go by.
Chiefs could soon be strongly represented in Bafana Bafana squads
Rushwin Dortley is already the proud owner of two Bafana Bafana caps. That number will grow as Chiefs’ new central defensive signing from Cape Town Spurs has looked assured and classy at the highest level. Meanwhile, youngsters Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi have made goal-scoring starts to the season. Both were on target in their opening-day win over Marumo Gallants. Shabalala has started all four league games this season in the fabled number 10 role so 2024-2025 feels like the season that Mdu Shabalala becomes a key player for the club. Can he take that next step up for his country?
Blom is back in Mzansi for a season
Njabulo Blom has won only a single cap for his country, and that was way back in September 2021 against Ghana when he got 13 minutes as a substitute. He’s been in the international wilderness ever since, playing his club football in the United States with MLS side St. Louis City since the end of 2022. Just under three years is a long time in football. If this season-long loan spell goes well for the 24-year-old, he could force his way back into Hugo Broos’ plans now he’s closer to home for a year.
More entertainment served up by the Glamour Boys these days
Chiefs are certainly more of an entertaining watch so far this season compared to 2023-2024. All four of their matches this season have featured goals at both ends, although Nabi will want his side to start picking up clean sheets. A brand-new defensive unit of Dortley, Reeve Frosler, Inacio Miguel and Bradley Cross has started all three games so far. A good acid test of their progress will be whether they can regroup and return to winning ways against SuperSport on October 26th after a controversial defeat to Sundowns.
With Dortley now established for Bafana, do you think Blom, Vilakazi and Shabalala deserve a crack at the national team?
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