Kaizer Chiefs' struggles over the last few years have coincided with a dwindling number of representation at Bafana Bafana, however, head coach Nasreddine Nabi's vision, particularly with youngsters, could get their footprint back into the national setup.
It triggered a backlash from Chiefs supporters last year when Bafana head coach Hugo Broos could no longer find Amakhosi players good enough for his squad, after poor performances.
However, with careful consideration, it was hard to justify which Amakhosi players deserved to be in the national team, following struggles under former coaches Molefi Ntseki and subsequently Cavin Johnson.
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Although Sibongiseni Mthethwa carried the Chiefs flag and at some point Pule Mmodi, in the odd national team call-ups, the aforementioned players are currently not in the picture, as Nabi rebuilds the Soweto giants.
It is perhaps ironic that fans began to see what Rushwin Dortley can do for the Glamour Boys, firstly in the Bafana squad, as he was the sole representative the last time in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, before he could get his debut for his new club in the Betway Premiership.
Although it is only one good game, after a 2-1 win over Marumo Gallants, Chiefs youngsters, Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi, both on target against Gallants and the likes of Samkelo Zwane and Wandile Duba are tipped to play a big role at the Glamour Boys under the Tunisian mentor.
And should the Soweto giants get their groove back, Broos could be under pressure to also get them into the national team.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates midfielder Lebohang Mokoena, believes Chiefs youngsters, if they fulfill their potential at Amakhosi, will also become national team assets.
"My advice, because I've said [before] regarding Mfundo Vilakazi, where I think he was scrutinized for showboating in one of the off-season games," Mokoena said on Radio 2000's Game On.
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"But my advice to them is just to keep their feet on the ground and also advice to supporters, not to put too much pressure on the player, because if you lose him at this age, he might end up going off the rails.
"Take care of themselves off the field of play, that's the most important part, extra training will do. The sessions they are having with Nabi is not going to be enough, if they want to get to the national team, if they want to play longer in the PSL, they need to do a lot off the field. I'm sure everything will be well, we'll start to see them being called up into the national team and I think that would be good for the country," Mokoena added.
After a stellar showing on debut for Chiefs, Sirino is also eligible for a Bafana Bafana call-up, especially if he maintains form, after he received his South African citizenship last year and expressed willingness to play for SA, as he has not been capped for Uruguay at senior level.
