With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef believes it is time for Bafana Bafana mentor Hugo Broos to take a serious look at the talent within the Amakhosi ranks.
Ben Youssef has reiterated his stance on the ongoing absence of Chiefs players from the national team. Following the Soweto Derby clash against Orlando Pirates two weeks ago, the Tunisian mentor argued that his players have done enough to earn consideration for the Bafana Bafana squad.
The 37-year-old went as far as naming players such as Thabiso Monyane, Lebohang Maboe, and Brandon Petersen as those deserving of a Bafana call-up.
Meanwhile, during the previous international break, Broos revealed that Chiefs goalie Petersen would have formed part of the squad that played back-to-back friendlies had he not been sidelined by injury at the time.
With Broos expected to announce his preliminary Bafana squad before naming his final roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the coming days, Ben Youssef has pointedly asked the Belgian tactician what more his players must do to get the nod.
KHALIL BEN YOUSSEF CHALLENGES BROOS TO INCLUDE CHIEFS PLAYERS IN THE BAFANA’S WORLD CUP SQUAD
Ben Youssef revisited the debate over his players’ Bafana Bafana prospects following the Glamour Boys’ 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in a league tie at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night.
“From our side, as I said, the most important thing is to have at least three to four players in Bafana when the list of the squad is coming out [for the World Cup],” Ben Youssef said.
“I think it’s not because I’m the coach of Kaizer Chiefs, but I think some of our players deserve a chance regarding the performance they are showing and the consistency.
“I remember one of the press conferences, the coach [Hugo Broos] said he thinks about [selecting] Sekhukhune United players because they were in third position, not our team.
“So I think now the performance of the team is there, the consistency is there. Everyone is discussing our players. What do they have to do to be part of Bafana Bafana? That’s my question.
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