Five Kaizer Chiefs Stars Targeting Bafana Bafana Call-ups in 2027
Potential national team candidates emerge from Kaizer Chiefs following recent squad exclusions.
1Current Squad Exclusion
Head coach Pitso Mosimane recently announced a 27-man Bafana Bafana squad for upcoming matches against Kenya, notably omitting all Kaizer Chiefs players. Even Lebohang Maboe, who featured in the preliminary selection, failed to secure a spot in the final roster. This absence highlights the current disconnect between the club's roster and national team requirements.
2Wandile Duba's Scoring Form
Wandile Duba has emerged as a primary candidate for national selection due to his prolific output this season. The 22-year-old forward has netted seven goals in just 11 appearances for Kaizer Chiefs. If he maintains this high level of consistency and clinical finishing, he will likely force his way into future senior team discussions.
3Bradley Cross's Defensive Experience
Defender Bradley Cross holds a distinct advantage over his peers as the only Kaizer Chiefs player included in the recent World Cup squad. Having already integrated into the national team setup, he understands the tactical expectations required by the staff. His path back depends heavily on maintaining fitness and securing consistent playing time throughout 2027.
4Maboe's Fitness Hurdles
Lebohang Maboe remains a player with significant international experience, having earned multiple call-ups in the past. However, recurring injuries have severely disrupted his progress and prevented a return to the national fold. His potential recall hinges entirely on his ability to remain injury-free and secure regular minutes under the current club management structure.
5Dortley's Defensive Potential
Rushwin Dortley has demonstrated defensive stability since returning from his injury layoff, catching the eye of national selectors. His future involvement depends on his ability to sustain this performance level over a longer period. Potential future friendlies, such as a match against Lesotho, could provide the necessary platform for coaches to test his defensive capabilities.
6Vilakazi's Creative Midfield Role
At 20 years old, Mfundo Vilakazi has shown encouraging form that positions him as a viable attacking prospect. His creativity in the midfield could offer Pitso Mosimane a tactical alternative, especially if the coach decides to manage the workload of current starters like Relebohile Mofokeng. He represents a long-term investment for the national team.
7Strategic Squad Management
The selection process for Bafana Bafana is currently defined by Pitso Mosimane's specific tactical requirements and player availability. While Kaizer Chiefs players are currently sidelined, the upcoming year offers a clean slate for those who can demonstrate superior form. Coaches often use these periods to rotate squads and evaluate depth for upcoming international fixtures.
8Future Selection Outlook
Whether any Kaizer Chiefs players successfully rejoin the Bafana Bafana setup in 2027 remains uncertain. Success will require a combination of individual brilliance, club-level consistency, and the tactical needs of the national team. These five players represent the most likely candidates to bridge the gap between their current club form and international football requirements.