Ben Youssef singles out 4 Chiefs stars for Bafana Bafana consideration

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef believes the time has come for Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos to look toward Naturena, identifying four standout performers who deserve a place in the national team setup.

Ben Youssef was speaking following Amakhosi’s 1-1 draw against rivals Orlando Pirates in a pulsating Soweto Derby on Sunday. While Pule Mmodi found the net for Chiefs and Kamogelo Sebelebele equalised for the Buccaneers, the post-match talk centred on the individual brilliance of several Chiefs stars.

Petersen’s Soweto Derby Masterclass

Leading the charge is goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, who walked away with the Man of the Match award. Petersen was instrumental in neutralising a rampant Pirates side that had scored 11 goals in their previous two outings against TS Galaxy and Golden Arrows.

The former Bidvest Wits shot-stopper has been in inspired form this season, boasting 20 league appearances and 13 clean sheets. Only 10 goals conceded

Petersen was set for a recall during last month’s friendlies against Panama, but a health scare ultimately sidelined him. Now back to full fitness, Ben Youssef insists the keeper’s stats speak for themselves.

The Kaizer Chiefs ‘Four’

However, Ben Youssef emphasised that the international quality within the squad extends beyond the man between the sticks. He explicitly named a quartet of players who are “putting pressure” on Hugo Broos ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The four players backed by the Tunisian tactician are: Brandon Petersen, Bradley Cross, Thabiso Monyane and Lebohang Maboe.

“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 I think it will be tough for him to decide,” Ben Youssef told the media.

“In my view, [Petersen] deserves to be in the national team based on his performances; it’s not a gift. Same for Cross, Maboe, and Monyane, I think they are pushing, and I think it’s time for Kaizer Chiefs players to be part of the national team.”

Broos’ Selection Headache

With the World Cup on the horizon, the sustained form of the Chiefs’ defensive unit and midfield engine room presents a selection dilemma for Broos.

Having kept the league’s most dangerous attack at bay on Sunday, the Amakhosi quartet has certainly made a loud enough noise to be heard at Safa House. It remains to be seen if Broos will integrate the Naturena stars into his upcoming preliminary squads.