A total of four Kaizer Chiefs have made the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This comes after Bafana coach Hugo Broos announced a 32-member preliminary squad for the tournament which kicks off next month
The team will assemble in Johannesburg on Monday and the camp will start with 24 players as the Mamelodi Sundowns players and the overseas-based contingent will still be out of the country.
Sundowns will only return to South Africa on Tuesday as they face Morocco side AS Far in the second leg of their CAF Champions League final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Will Kaizer Chiefs players make the final Bafana squad?
The final team for the FIFA World Cup will be announced at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on 27 May 2026 and Broos will be joined by South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Out of the 32 players, Broos will likely trim the squad to 26 players meaning six players might lose out.
With four Kaizer Chiefs making the preliminary squad, only Brandon Petersen has a good chance on making the final cut.
Lebohang Maboe might get the cut with Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams and Teboho Mokoena preferred.
The Amakhosi star was not in Broos’ plans and given his age, he is unlikely to be a regular.
Another player who is almost certain to miss out is Thabiso Monyane. Given the fact that Bafana has Kamohelo Sebelebele and Thabang Matuludi as Khuliso Mudau’s backup, the Chiefs right-back is likely to get the chop.
Bradley Cross will have to fight it out with Samkelo Kabini, who did not impress at the last AFCON.
