Kaizer Chiefs Talent Shines in Bafana COSAFA Squad

The 2025 COSAFA Cup is sparking fresh excitement, and this year there's a clear message: Kaizer Chiefs players are back in the spotlight. Out of South Africa’s 22-man squad, five Chiefs talents are getting a shot to show their stuff on an international stage. The tournament kicks off June 4 in Bloemfontein and runs through June 15, with Group A featuring South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius.

This time, there’s an interesting twist—the coaching staff. Vela Khumalo, who learned his trade steering the Chiefs’ Diski Challenge squad and took the South African U-17s to a spot in the upcoming 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, steps in as head coach for the COSAFA campaign. He isn’t alone in leading the team. Former Bafana star Reneilwe Letsholonyane brings his experience as Khumalo’s assistant, while Molefi Ntseki, a familiar face to South African football circles, supports as technical advisor.

Khumalo’s team selection hints at more than just this tournament; it’s part of a bigger plan. He’s leaned into picking players who were on coach Hugo Broos’s extended list for recent national team action—but who didn’t get game time in March friendlies. The priority? Get them ready for the upcoming CHAN (African Nations Championship) qualifiers, which focus on locally-based talent.

COSAFA Cup Squad: Who Made the Cut?

The heart of the story is the Chiefs representation. Goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma anchors the back, joined by defender Aden McCarthy, skilled midfielder Thabo Cele, and the attacking energy of both Wandile Duba and Mduduzi Shabalala. Their selection is a clear sign the coaches are betting on youth and club chemistry. For Bvuma, it’s an overdue chance to push his way into the main Bafana fold, while Duba and Shabalala look set to provide the spark in attack.

They’re not alone, of course. Victor Letsoalo, a proven poacher up front, and solid defender Kwanda Mngonyama also headline the wider squad. In total, the team is split with three goalkeepers, nine defenders, six midfielders, and four forwards. Expect competition for every spot, especially with other ambitious PSL-based players fighting for their place in future national setups.

• Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs) – Goalkeeper
• Aden McCarthy (Kaizer Chiefs) – Defender
• Thabo Cele (Kaizer Chiefs) – Midfielder
• Wandile Duba (Kaizer Chiefs) – Forward
• Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs) – Forward
• Victor Letsoalo – Forward
• Kwanda Mngonyama – Defender

For Khumalo and his staff, task one is clear: launch the campaign with a strong group stage showing, starting against Mozambique. With COSAFA always a springboard for new names, the choices here are about more than just silverware—they’re about setting the tone for South Africa’s next footballing generation. There’s a lot riding on the smart blend of Chiefs chemistry, CHAN ambitions, and the hunger of emerging talent.

Fans won’t need to wait long—the Bloemfontein rumble starts with South Africa’s opener facing Mozambique. Group matches against Zimbabwe and Mauritius follow, and with Chiefs players forming the tournament core, all eyes are on whether they can turn club promise into national progress for Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana alike.