Kaizer Motaung Jr backs Broos amid Kaizer Chiefs selection debate

Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr has stepped forward to support Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, amid growing noise around the perceived lack of Amakhosi representation in national team squads this year.

The debate intensified after Broos named his 54-man preliminary squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with Chiefs contributing four players to the long list. 

In recent weeks, some supporters questioned whether Chiefs footballers were being overlooked compared to their rivals in the Betway Premiership. But Motaung Jr quickly shut down talk of bias, insisting the club fully backs Broos’ methods and long-term vision.

Speaking to the media, he said: “If you ask anyone from any club, they’ll want to have as many players in the national team as possible and we’re very proud of the work Hugo Broos has done.”

He emphasised that Broos had earned the right to trust his own approach.

“For the mere fact that he’s had a formula that works for him — qualifying for the AFCON and the World Cup is a massive task, so he’s done a great job.”

Motaung Jr added that Chiefs players must focus on their own performances rather than the surrounding noise.

“From our side, all we can do is urge the players to focus on what they do at league level because what happens there will determine what happens at national level. They have to put their heads down and do their best for the club.”

Chiefs have four players in the preliminary AFCON squad — captain Brandon Peterson, defenders Thabiso Monyane and Bradley Cross, and rising attacker Mduduzi Shabalala. All four will hope to convince Broos they deserve a seat on the plane to Morocco, where Bafana begin their Group B campaign next month.

Motaung Jr welcomed their inclusion but cautioned against premature celebration.

“To have four players there is a boost but of course it’s still a prelim squad and the coach has his hands full to pick for the tournament. We want as many players on that stage as possible, but the work of coach Hugo is brilliant to see.”

His intervention brings much-needed clarity at a time when public scrutiny around Bafana selections often reaches emotionally charged levels. 

Chiefs, despite their recent struggles, remain one of the biggest pipelines of talent in the country — but Motaung Jr was adamant that selection must always reward performance, not reputation. For now, the message from Naturena is clear: Broos has their backing, the process is respected, and the responsibility lies with players to force their way into the final 23.

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