Kaizer Chiefs players World Cup hopes dashed with six week injury absence

Shabalala suffered a heavy challenge from Mamelodi Sundowns Jayden Adams during Wednesdays 1-1 stalemate between the teams, earning the offender just a yellow card. Adams received a red card later for another caution.

The midfielder has featured in recent Bafana Bafana line ups, yet prospects of joining the 2026 World Cup squad now seem lost, as the event begins in slightly more than a month.

He took part in Bafanas last World Cup qualifying match versus Rwanda back in October of the previous year.

This term, he has been a key figure for Chiefs, making 36 outings across various tournaments, netting five times and providing three assists.

Chiefs appear set for third position and CAF Confederation Cup action in the coming campaign, though they can confirm it by defeating Sekhukhune United this Sunday.