Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson has shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding the absence of Amakhosi players from the Bafana Bafana squad, asserting that the issue stems from inconsistency at club level rather than any bias from national team coach Hugo Broos.
The topic has gained attention after the latest Bafana Bafana squad announcement for the friendly against Zambia featured no players from Kaizer Chiefs. The non-selection of promising talent Mduduzi Shabalala, who was seen as a potential replacement for the injured Rushwin Dortley, has further fueled fan frustration.
Johnson, however, believes the situation is being misinterpreted. He argues that national team selection is determined by performance and consistency, not favoritism. Drawing a parallel with global football, he explained that successful national teams are typically built around dominant domestic clubs.
Using Spain as an example, Johnson noted that Real Madrid and Barcelona players have long formed the backbone of the national side because of their consistent performances at the highest level. He emphasized that Kaizer Chiefs players will earn national call-ups only when the club consistently performs well in the Premier Soccer League and continental competitions.
Currently, Bafana Bafana’s squad is heavily composed of players from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates — teams that have maintained dominance in both local and continental tournaments. Johnson stressed that regular participation in competitions such as the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup provides invaluable international experience that national selectors look for.
He dismissed claims that Hugo Broos favors specific clubs, saying that the Belgian coach simply rewards consistent performers. According to Johnson, players from teams that regularly win matches and compete at international level naturally stand out and get noticed more by the national selectors.
Johnson concluded by urging Kaizer Chiefs to focus on restoring their consistency and competitiveness. Until they do so, he warned, their players will continue to struggle for recognition at the national level. His remarks serve as a reminder that reputation alone cannot earn a place in the Bafana Bafana setup — consistent performance and winning mentality are what truly count.
