Malibongwe Khoza Grateful for Surprise Bafana Bafana Call-Up Ahead of Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

The Mamelodi Sundowns defender says hard work and lessons from smaller tournaments like CHAN have prepared him for his first senior national team chance.

For Malibongwe Khoza, 2025 will be a year to remember. The young Mamelodi Sundowns defender has earned his first-ever Bafana Bafana call-up, and he admits it came earlier than he expected. Despite the surprise, Khoza is determined to make the most of the opportunity and prove he belongs on the international stage.

“I didn’t think it was going to come this early,” Khoza said at a team press conference at Dobsonville Stadium on Monday. “But I’ve always been motivated and working on my next goal. I wanted to make sure I perform in every game.”

Ready for Two Vital World Cup Qualifiers

Khoza joins the national team for two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, and Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium next Tuesday. Both games will kick off at 6 p.m., and could define South Africa’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 2002.

The defender’s inclusion reflects coach Hugo Broos’ faith in young, homegrown players who have shown consistency and hunger at club level. With Bafana currently second in Group C tied on 14 points with Benin every match is critical.

Lessons from CHAN and Smaller Tournaments

Khoza credits his recent growth to his participation in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) earlier this year, under coach Molefi Ntseki. Though the tournament doesn’t carry the same prestige as AFCON, Khoza said it played a major role in his development.

“The team let me go to CHAN so I could gain national team experience,” he explained. “I went there, got some minutes, and started to play more. That gave me confidence and helped me grow as a player.”

He encouraged fellow local players not to underestimate competitions like CHAN and COSAFA, calling them vital stepping stones toward full international success.

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“As players, we tend to look down on CHAN and COSAFA. But those tournaments give you experience and teach you how the national team plays,” he said.

Family Support Behind the Journey

Khoza also credits his family  particularly his father  for supporting his decision to take every opportunity seriously.

“My father was very happy when I got my first call-up to CHAN,” Khoza shared. “He told me to stay focused and continue working hard. That advice helped me stay grounded and ready for this moment.”

His father’s encouragement mirrors the defender’s own disciplined approach. Khoza believes that maintaining focus and consistency will be key if he hopes to stay in the Bafana setup as South Africa prepares for AFCON 2025 in Morocco and possibly the World Cup in 2026.

Staying Consistent and Focused

“I think consistency is important, though it’s not easy as a player,” Khoza reflected. “Sometimes you have downfalls, so you must take care of yourself and stay sharp.”

With a starting position at Sundowns and now a national call-up, Khoza is proving that his commitment to growth is paying off. His calm composure, defensive discipline, and adaptability have made him one of the most promising defenders in South African football today.

Bafana Bafana’s Preparations Intensify

Bafana Bafana’s training camp continues in Johannesburg until Thursday, before the team flies to Durban for their must-win clash against Zimbabwe’s Warriors.

Coach Broos’ squad remains largely intact, with Relebohile Mofokeng ruled out through injury and replaced by Mduduzi Shabalala. The overseas-based duo Lyle Foster and Sphephelo Sithole are expected to arrive on Tuesday, completing the squad before final preparations.

Khoza hopes to impress Broos enough during training to earn a spot in the starting lineup. Given his current form and confidence, he could become a valuable addition as Bafana push for a long-awaited World Cup qualification.

“I just want to help the team however I can,” Khoza said. “If I get the chance to play, I’ll give it everything.”

A Symbol of South Africa’s Football Future

Khoza’s story represents the new wave of South African footballers determined, hardworking, and eager to learn from every opportunity. His rise from CHAN participant to full international player shows the importance of patience, discipline, and the right mindset.

As South Africa’s football fans rally behind Bafana Bafana, Malibongwe Khoza stands as proof that the country’s future in the sport is bright and full of promise.

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