Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef believes several Amakhosi players are worthy of Bafana Bafana call-ups as the FIFA World Cup approaches.
Amakhosi have been overlooked in recent national team selections, with no players included in Bafana squads for the last two major tournaments.
Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, one of Amakhosi’s standout performers this season, was in contention for a call-up earlier this year. However, injury ruled him out before the final squad for the March friendly against Panama was confirmed.
Chiefs coach wants his players at Bafana
Petersen reminded many of his quality in the recent Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates, where he delivered a Man of the Match performance.
Speaking after the match, Ben Youssef insisted Petersen is not the only Chiefs player knocking on the national team door.
“I think it’s not only Petersen [who deserves a Bafana call-up]. We have four or five players putting pressure on the coach [Hugo Broos], and I feel for him because it will be a tough decision,” said the Chiefs co-coach.
Ben Youssef went on to highlight other Chiefs players he believes have earned consideration for Bafana call-up.
“Petersen, even before the injury, was showing good performances and working very well with his goalkeeper coach, Ilyes Mzoughi. In my view, he deserves to be in the national team based on merit, it’s not a gift.
“The same applies to Cross, Maboe, and Monyane. They are pushing, and I think it’s time for Kaizer Chiefs players to be part of the national team again,” Ben Youssef told the media.
With Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos believed to have already settled on around 70% of his squad, it remains to be seen whether any Kaizer Chiefs players will force their way into the final World Cup selection.