‘Mark my words’: Kaizer Chiefs defender vows to return to Bafana

Kaizer Chiefs defender Thabo Moloisane has vowed to fight his way back into the Bafana Bafana squad despite facing stiff competition for a place in the national team.

The 27-year-old has not represented South Africa in over a year, although he was previously part of Hugo Broos’ squads during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

However, a difficult spell at Stellenbosch FC saw him fall out of favour, ultimately missing out on selection for the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.

Moloisane joined Kaizer Chiefs on a free transfer in July after parting ways with Stellenbosch, hoping to revive his career at Naturena and put himself back in contention for national team selection.

The Amakhosi defender acknowledges that returning to Bafana will not be easy, given the competition for places and the quality of players available in defence.

Speaking about his ambitions, Moloisane admitted that the road back to the national team is a long one but believes he can get there through hard work and consistent performances.

“We should give credit to the guys, you know. I was speaking to Mdu (Shabalala) last week, saying the line is long to get back into Bafana, but at the same time, I’m at a big institution watched by everyone. For me, it’s just to continue working hard. The journey is still long,” he told media.

Moloisane joined Kaizer Chiefs in July

Despite the challenges, the Chiefs defender remains confident that he can return to the national team, insisting that he knows what is required after previously being part of the Bafana setup.

“I’m a South African player, I’ve been in the Bafana setup. I know what it takes and I had a tricky past season. But I’m getting back to my best and mark my words, I’ll be back in the Bafana squad,” he added.

Moloisane’s move to Chiefs presents him with an opportunity to rebuild his reputation and demonstrate that he still has what it takes to compete at international level.

He will need to deliver consistent performances for Amakhosi if he is to convince the national team selectors that he deserves another chance.

Kaizer Chiefs have also struggled to produce regular Bafana Bafana representatives in recent years, with the club having limited representation in the national team during major international tournaments.

For Moloisane, returning to the national setup would therefore be a significant personal achievement and a chance to re-establish himself among South Africa’s leading defenders.