Fierce competition for Bafana Bafana centre-back spots reflects SA’s growing talent pool – Moloisane

This was the conversation between SABC Sport and Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs defender Thabo Moloisane this afternoon at the Chiefs Village in Naturena. Moloisane was one of the centre-backs who got their run under former Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, but today, the queue for selection is very difficult. Moloisane says consistency at Chiefs will take him back to Bafana.

"It is very long, but credit to the guys; they are doing well. The credit must go to them. And for me, I must also continue working hard. I had a bit of a difficult season in the last campaign, but I am happy that I am starting to play and feel like myself again. I am sure that as I continue working hard, I will be back in the setup. Who wouldn't want to be in that setup anyway? " said Moloisane.

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The competition for places at Bafana’s defence speaks to the healthy development structures in the South African football scene today, with some of the players having been well developed at their academies. With US-based defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi back in action, it means that Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has a headache after the new combinations of Ime Okon, Olwethu Makhanya and Lebone Seema. 

Tomorrow, Moloisane comes up against Stellenbosch FC for the first time, a team that he called home for almost four seasons and played over 115 matches in all competitions before he left them in June for Amakhosi. The Mamelodi Sundowns youth product is grateful for the role that Stellies has played in his growth, but tomorrow’s game is equally important to him and his team.

Chiefs have only produced two clean sheets this season in all competitions, meaning they have conceded in six of their first eight matches. It’s a stat that Moloisane also knows they need to improve as the defence and the team overall.