Kaizer Chiefs centre-back Thabo Moloisane said he is confident his club form will bring him back into the Bafana Bafana squad. He told IOL Sport that people can “mark my words” on his return to his best.
Moloisane last played for the national team under former coach Hugo Broos. He then had an injury-plagued spell at Stellenbosch before he joined Chiefs this season.
“I had a tricky situation last season, but I am sure that I am on my way back to getting back to my best. You can mark my words on that,” Moloisane said.
Bafana Bafana are now coached by Pitso Mosimane. According to IOL Sport, his new era has given players a clean slate. Every player must earn a place on merit.
The road back will not be easy for the defender. Mosimane’s side conceded only one goal in his first three matches in charge.
South Africa beat Guinea 2-1 and Eritrea 5-0 in the Afcon qualifiers. They then won 1-0 against Egypt in an international friendly.
Mosimane used those games to give several defenders a chance. Olwethu Makhanya and Ime Okon started at centre-back in the two qualifiers.
Against Egypt, Khulumani Ndamane got a chance. So did the Orlando Pirates pair of Lebone Seema and Nkosinathi Sibisi.
IOL Sport reported that Mosimane was pleased with his defenders. He is likely to keep them for two must-win qualifiers against Kenya next month.
Moloisane said he knows this could limit his chances, but he is not worried. He gave credit to the players who are in the squad now.
“I think we should give credit to the guys,” Moloisane said. He then shared a talk he had with Chiefs teammate Mduduzi Shabalala, who has also played for Bafana.
“Last week, I was speaking to Mdu, saying ‘the line is long to get back to Bafana’,” he said.
“But at the same time, I am at a big institution that is watched by everyone. I just need to continue working hard. The journey is still long,” Moloisane said.
“I am a South African-born player. I have been in the Bafana set-up before, and I know what it takes to be there,” he added.
Moloisane made his international breakthrough during Broos’s five-year spell as coach. He did not hold down a regular starting place because of form and injury problems.
He has made a bright start at Chiefs. He has helped the team stay unbeaten in the league so far this season, according to IOL Sport.
Chiefs were set to host his former club Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night at 7.30pm. IOL Sport said games like this are where Moloisane must impress the national team selectors, including Mosimane.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.