Dr. Khumalo 'not hurt' that Kaizer Chiefs don't dominate Bafana but questions whether Mamelodi Sundowns & Orlando Pirates players 'will have legs' for Benin'

South Africa national team Bafana Bafana have been doing extremely well internationally.

After winning bronze in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations played early in the year, the Hugo Broos-led team has qualified for the 2025 edition without tasting defeat in Group K.

Defending Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns have been having a lion's share when it comes to the Bafana squad.

Orlando Pirates are also slowly but steadily getting their recognition thanks to their consistency domestically and in international assignments.

However, Kaizer Chiefs are struggling to get their players into the Bafana squad. The only player from Amakhosi player who has been featuring regularly is Rushwin Dortley, who joined from Cape Town Spurs.

Doctor Khumalo concedes his former team is not doing well for the players to be considered, but has questioned whether the Downs and Pirates players will be fit enough to help Bafana get a win against Benin in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers after a busy domestic and international outings.

“No, it doesn’t hurt me [that Kaizer Chiefs players are not being considered at Bafana Bafana]," Khumalo told iDiski Times.

“That’s the truth of the matter. And I mean, when we were dominating the national team with nine players, Chiefs supporters were happy. So why do we have to be like having a bad feeling about that?

“Do you know, the next game is in March against Benin, the 11th and now, as a person that is involved with football, we think ahead, who was playing the final; Sundowns. Who’s in the Champions League? Sundowns and Pirates.

"Between January and March, that’s a critical phase of the PSL, there’s Champions League, to be in the top eight, to win the Nedbank; footballing problems, and then we have Benin," Khumalo continued.

“Two teams make Bafana now. Sundowns and Pirates. Which teams are going to be most involved? Sundowns and Pirates. Are we going to have legs for Benin? Have you ever thought about it?”

Under new coach Nasreddine Nabi, Chiefs have been showing glimpses of brilliance.

If they continue rebuilding and delivering consistently, it is safe to say some of their players will not miss the forthcoming Bafana Bafana assignments.