Is this the best Orlando Pirates starting XI if the club snaps up all of their rumoured targets? Take a quick look and feel free to disagree.
Best Pirates XI if they land all of their targets
Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Mbokazi, Basadien; Mbatha, Makhaula; Appollis, Mofokeng, Nkota; Mabasa.
Pirates wish list
According to Soccer Laduma, Orlando Pirates have a hefty transfer shortlist containing a few surprise names. That publication includes Thabo Moloisane and Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC, Vuyo Letlapa from Sekhukhune United, Oswin Appollis and Thabang Matuludi from Polokwane City, as well as AmaZulu’s Tshepang Moremi, Sinoxolo Kwayiba from Chippa United and Richards Bay FC’s Yanela Mbuthuma. The latest names linked are Marumo Gallants forward Junior Zindoga, the 22-year-old Baroka right back Tshepo Mashiloane and AmaZulu’s winger Tshepang Moremi.
Mbokazi has forced his way into the conversation
Mbekezeli Mbokazi started big games against SuperSport in the Nedbank Cup (he scored the opener in a 2-2 draw, Pirates eventually prevailed on penalties) and against Stellenbosch in a 0-0 draw. Mbokazi was man of the match in that thrilling cup tie against Matsatsantsa, and he started and shone in Pirates’ superb 2-1 win over leaders Sundowns, again earning the Man of the Match award. It’s a result which breathes new life into a title challenge that seemed to be fading out. The Sea Robbers Trail Sundowns by 15 points but have four games in hand.
Relebohile Mofokeng leads the charge
20-year-old Rele Mofokeng was the scorer of both Pirates goals, the quickest brace by a Buccaneers player in PSL history. We don’t even think of Mofokeng as a youngster or a future star anymore, such is his importance to the first XI already. The future is now. Don’t bet against Mbokazi making a big impression in Algeria against MC Alger in the Caf Champions League final eight first leg.
What’s your dream Pirates XI?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
