Orlando Pirates’ looming glory means it’s awfully quiet at Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs fans will be a little blue this morning, seeing as though Orlando Pirates are one win away from glory. What’s in the news, though?

Shabalala to miss the World Cup

Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala needs surgery after he broke his arm in a tackle during the 1-1 draw with Sundowns. This injury leaves his already faint hopes of a World Cup call-up for Bafana Bafana in tatters.

When does Bafana need to finalise their squad?

FIFA requires that all World Cup squads be finalised between 25 May and 1 June. All of those will then be officially announced on 2 June. We can, therefore, expect provisional groups to be out before those dates. South Africa kicks off its campaign against Mexico on 11 June at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca in the tournament’s opening clash. Their other Group A opponents are South Korea and Czechia. Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen is a candidate to make that group.

Bafana’s 2026 World Cup fixtures

• Thu, 11 June: Mexico vs South Africa, 21:00 KO
• Thu, 18 June: Czechia vs South Africa, 18:00 KO
• Thu, 25 June: South Africa vs South Korea, 03:00 KO

Kaizer Chiefs sealed third place a long time ago

Kaizer Chiefs clocked up five consecutive wins between 15 March and 15 April to put them in a strong position. Their last 10 matches have returned six wins, three draws, and just a solitary defeat. That’s ultimately enough to secure third place and CAF Confederation Cup football for next season.

Throwback to the Billiat ‘experiment’