Kaizer Chiefs defender Tsepo Masilela believes his younger brother Innocent Maela deserves to be called up for the national team following his performances for Orlando Pirates this season.

The 25-year-old was recently named in Stuart Baxter’s Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming four nations tournament in Zambia.

Masilela believes that Maela has earned the right to don the Bafana Bafana jersey after impressing during his first season with the Buccaneers.

‘I’m happy for him and congratulations to him. He has been doing well and if you check, he is a decent left back who is very strong in one versus one situations. He has got a pace and he can deliver [crosses],’ Masilela told KickOff.com.

‘I’m really happy for him, he must just keep on working hard and remain humble.

‘He has done well if you check the number of games he has played. And you must not forget, [that] he is at Pirates where competition is tough you know.

‘To be at Pirates and be a regular in your first season is not easy. He has done well, he must just keep on working hard. He has still got a bright future ahead of him. We do talk here and there.’

Orlando Pirates will next welcome Bloemfontein Celtic to the Orlando Stadium when the two sides meet in the Absa Premiership on 4 April, with kick-off set for 19:30.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix