Orlando Pirates’ dominance in cup competitions is starting to reflect itself for Bafana Bafana. Let’s take a closer look shall we?
Pirates’ several Bafana stars are shining
Even with Thalente Mbatha missing the two recent clashes with Congo, Hugo Broos will lean heavily on the Orlando Pirates players in future squads and he’s back in the fold againdt Uganda. 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 when he returns to fitness. Evidence Makgopa and Nkosinathi Sibisi are also back in the fold and in the squad.
Makgopa discusses confidence
Bafana meets Uganda in Kampala on Friday 15 November at 15:00. Then they host South Sudan in Cape Town next Tuesday at 18:00. Evidence Makgopa will hope to be heavily involved for Hugo Broos’ side in three two crunch Afcon qualifiers. Makgopa is back among the goals for his club and will be keen to replicate that form for his country.
Homesick Riveiro coy on his future
Jose Riveiro’s Pirates contract expires at the end of the season. The Spaniard could leave the club after a trophy-laden spell that’s seen him win five major honours in less than three seasons. Reports circulating indicate that the 49-year-old is homesick and wants to be with his family in his native Spain.
However, speaking to Robert Marawa on 947 FM, Riveiro gave nothing away.
Predicted Bafana XI vs Uganda
Could we see as many as three Bucs players in the starting XI to meet Uganda?
Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Rushwin Dortley, Mothobi Mvala, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas; Elias Mokwana, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng; Evidence Makgopa.
Will South Africa win Afcon 2025? Who’s in your starting XI to face Uganda?
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