Josta Dladla Explains Why Hugo Broos Overlooks Kaizer Chiefs Players
Former Josta Dladla has delivered a brutally honest assessment of why Kaizer Chiefs continue to have limited representation in the Bafana Bafana squad under Hugo Broos.
Speaking ahead of Africa Cup of Nations 2025, Dladla urged Amakhosi supporters to confront an uncomfortable reality: despite signs of progress this season, Chiefs players are not yet operating at a level that demands automatic national-team selection.
“Put Emotions Aside” – Dladla’s Reality Check
A two-time league winner with Chiefs between 2009 and 2015, Dladla stressed that improvement alone is not enough.
“Yes, Chiefs are doing better this season, but I don’t see any Chiefs player stepping into the national team and starting,” Dladla said.
“We have to put emotions aside and be honest with ourselves.”
His comments come despite the standout form of captain Brandon Petersen, who recorded 11 clean sheets in 18 matches, including a league-best nine shutouts in just 13 games. Petersen’s omission from the final AFCON squad reignited debate, especially after he featured in Broos’ preliminary list.
However, Petersen was ultimately cut alongside Thabiso Monyane and Bradley Cross, while highly-rated Mduduzi Shabalala was named only as a standby.
Experience, Not Impact
Dladla believes Shabalala’s involvement is more about long-term exposure than immediate contribution.
“If he was part of the squad, he was not even going to play. It’s for experience, so next AFCON he understands the level,” he explained.
According to Dladla, Chiefs remain firmly in a rebuilding phase, with a young core that still needs time to mature.
Broos: “It’s Like I Killed Someone”
Dladla’s stance aligns closely with Broos’ long-held selection philosophy. Back in June, the Belgian coach hit back at criticism over Chiefs (and Pirates) exclusions, accusing some journalists of pushing club-based agendas.
“When I don’t take players from Chiefs, it’s like I have killed someone,” Broos said.
“I don’t choose players because of clubs. I choose based on performance, tactics, and rankings in positions.”
Broos insists national-team selection is about building the strongest possible Bafana Bafana side — regardless of badge size or supporter pressure.
The Bottom Line
The message from both Dladla and Broos is clear: Kaizer Chiefs’ revival is real, but incomplete. Until performances consistently translate into dominance at the highest level, Amakhosi players will remain on the fringes of Bafana Bafana plans.
For Chiefs fans, patience — not pressure — may be the hardest, but most necessary, part of the rebuild.