Kaizer Chiefs could have several players knocking on the door of the Bafana Bafana national team in 2027, despite once again missing out on representation in the latest squad.
National team coach Pitso Mosimane has announced his 27-man selection for the upcoming international assignments against Kenya, but there is no place for an Amakhosi player.
Lebohang Maboe was among the players considered during the preliminary selection process but ultimately failed to secure a place in the final squad.
With South Africa preparing for their final international fixtures of 2026, attention is already turning towards which domestic players could impress enough to earn opportunities next year.
For Chiefs, improved performances in the remainder of the season could open the door for several players to attract the attention of the national team selectors.
Here are five Amakhosi stars who could potentially earn Bafana Bafana call-ups in 2027.
1. Wandile Duba
<text weight=”medium” color=”secondary” size=”xs”>AGE: 22 | POSITION: ATTACKER</text>
Wandile Duba is arguably one of the strongest candidates for a future Bafana Bafana opportunity based on his current performances.
The young attacker has enjoyed an encouraging campaign, scoring seven goals in 11 appearances for Kaizer Chiefs.
His goalscoring form has made him one of the club’s standout performers and strengthened his case for national team consideration.
At just 22, Duba has plenty of room to develop, and maintaining his current scoring consistency could make it difficult for the national team selectors to overlook him.
If he continues delivering in the Premier Soccer League, a senior international opportunity could be on the horizon.
2. Bradley Cross
<text weight=”medium” color=”secondary” size=”xs”>POSITION: DEFENDER</text>
Bradley Cross is another Chiefs player with a realistic opportunity to return to the national team setup.
The defender was the only Kaizer Chiefs representative included in the Bafana Bafana squad for the World Cup, giving him valuable experience within the national team environment.
That exposure could work in his favour as the selectors assess their defensive options for 2027.
Regular playing time, consistent performances and staying clear of injuries will be important if Cross hopes to strengthen his position.
With competition for defensive places remaining intense, the Chiefs defender will need to continue proving his value at club level.
3. Lebohang Maboe
<text weight=”medium” color=”secondary” size=”xs”>POSITION: MIDFIELDER</text>
Lebohang Maboe remains one of the more experienced candidates among the Chiefs players hoping to return to international football.
The midfielder was included in the preliminary Bafana Bafana squad but did not make the final 27-man selection.
His experience at international level gives him an advantage over several younger players, but fitness and consistent performances will be crucial.
Injuries have disrupted his progress, making it difficult for him to establish the momentum needed for a national team return.
If Maboe can remain fit and secure regular minutes at Naturena, he could once again become an option for Mosimane.
4. Rushwin Dortley
<text weight=”medium” color=”secondary” size=”xs”>POSITION: DEFENDER</text>
Rushwin Dortley could also emerge as an important defensive option for Bafana Bafana in 2027.
The defender has shown encouraging signs since returning from injury and will be hoping to build on those performances during the remainder of the campaign.
His ability to provide defensive stability could make him an attractive option for the national team, particularly if the coaching staff wants to assess additional combinations at the back.
Consistency will be essential, however, as Dortley looks to regain his best form and convince the selectors that he deserves another opportunity.
An international friendly, potentially against opposition such as Lesotho, could also provide an opportunity to experiment with defensive combinations.
5. Mfundo Vilakazi
<text weight=”medium” color=”secondary” size=”xs”>AGE: 20 | POSITION: ATTACKING MIDFIELDER</text>
Mfundo Vilakazi is another exciting young talent who could become part of Bafana Bafana’s plans in the coming year.
The 20-year-old has demonstrated encouraging attacking qualities at Kaizer Chiefs, particularly through his creativity, technical ability and willingness to take on defenders.
His versatility in attacking midfield could make him an interesting alternative for the national team coaching staff.
With Relebohile Mofokeng continuing to feature prominently in South Africa’s attacking plans, having another creative option could give the national team greater tactical flexibility.
Vilakazi still has development to do, but regular opportunities and improved consistency could strengthen his chances of earning a senior international call-up.
Can Kaizer Chiefs finally produce more Bafana Bafana regulars?
The absence of Kaizer Chiefs players from the latest Bafana Bafana squad will undoubtedly disappoint Amakhosi supporters.
However, the club still has several players capable of changing that situation if they deliver consistent performances in the months ahead.
Duba’s goalscoring ability, Cross and Dortley’s defensive qualities, Maboe’s experience and Vilakazi’s creativity offer different possibilities for the national team.
Ultimately, club form will determine who gets an opportunity.
The challenge for these five players is to turn their potential into consistent performances and give the national team selectors a compelling reason to consider them.
The big question is: Which Kaizer Chiefs player deserves a Bafana Bafana call-up first in 2027?
