Orlando Pirates’ dominance in cup competitions is starting to reflect itself for Bafana Bafana. Let’s take a closer look shall we?
Orlando Pirates are represented strongly by Bafana
Even with Thalente Mbatha missing the two recent clashes with Congo, Hugo Broos will lean heavily on the Orlando Pirates players in his squad. Sipho Chaine is a strong backup goalkeeping option although he started against South Sudan. Talented 24-year-old operator Thabiso Sesane is enjoying a storming start to the season in the centre of defence for the Buccaneers and is now a viable option for his country too. Teenager Relebohile Mofokeng made a cameo against South Sudan and will be called upon again here, while there’s also the option of talented left-footed Patrick Maswanganyi. Central defender Nkosinathi Sibisi will also fancy his chances of forcing his way back into the Bafana side if he can do so for Pirates. New signing Deano van Rooyen will also be a candidate for the right-back slot for Bafana before long.
Buccaneers promote young defender Mbokazi
The Sea Robbers currently have three central defenders out injured. Namely, Olisa Ndah, Tapelo Xoki and Sandile Mthethwa. This has prompted the technical team to promote teenager Mbekezeli Mbokazi out of necessity.
“This platform – DStv Diski Challenge is created for these boys,” Makhanya told the SuperSport website, as per iDiski Times.
“If you look at where Mbekezeli Mbokazi comes from, it was his first season last season but the strides he has made have been nothing short of amazing.
“Soon there’s an announcement that would be made, where we will no longer see Mbokazi in the DDC.
“You must think back where he is coming from, all the way from Hluhluwe. It was even difficult to talk to him about tactics, so you needed to make sure that you speak to him in his own language, and he became comfortable and once he became comfortable, he became a leader,” the former Orlando Pirates winger added.
Upcoming Fixtures
After a surprise defeat to Magesi in the Carling Knockout, Pirates must dust themselves down and get back to basics in the Betway Premiership. They’ve also got some enticing Caf Champions League clashes on the horizon.
- AmaZulu (H) – 25 October, 19:30 kickoff
- TS Galaxy (A) – 29 October, 19:30 kickoff
- Stellenbosch (H) – 10 November, 15:30 kickoff
- Belouizdad (A) – 26 November, kickoff time TBC
- Gallants (A) – 03 December, 19:30 kickoff
- Al Ahly (H) – 06 December, kickoff time TBC
Is it important for Pirates to have a strong Bafana contingent at all times?
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