Kaizer Chiefs right-back Thabiso Monyane gets a Bafana Bafana call-up after Nyiko Mobbie’s injury

Kaizer Chiefs right-back Thabiso Monyane has been rewarded for his impressive start at the club with a late Bafana Bafana call-up.

Monyane will join the South African senior national team in camp in Bloemfontein this weekend as a replacement for the injured Nyiko Mobbie. The Siwelele FC right-back sustained a serious head injury during Bafana’s emphatic 3-0 win over Lesotho in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Toyota Stadium.

Bafana Bafana team doctor Tshepo Molobi confirmed via the team’s media unit that Mobbie was rushed to hospital on Friday night and underwent surgery on Saturday morning. “The injury happened as a result of a clash of heads in the first half, and he sustained a fracture of the eye socket in three places,” Dr Molobi said.

Monyane’s inclusion for Bafana’s second qualifier against Nigeria on Tuesday in the City of Roses comes on the back of him playing a key role in Chiefs’ strong start to the season. They have won four games and drawn one in the Betway Premiership so far.

The 25-year-old, who joined Chiefs on a free transfer from arch-rivals Orlando Pirates, has earned widespread plaudits for his performances. As a result, when he was omitted from the final squad after being in the provisional one, many supporters vented their frustrations on social media. They now feel justice has been served.

Monyane is no stranger to the Bafana set-up, having previously been called up by coach Hugo Broos. However, inconsistent form and injuries at his former club saw him slip down the pecking order.

Monyane becomes the second Chiefs player in the Bafana set-up after Mduduzi Shabalala made the initial final squad.