Orlando Pirates have made a powerful statement ahead of the June international friendlies by contributing a remarkable nine players to the final Bafana Bafana squad. This reflects the Buccaneers’ strong form and growing influence in South African football, as coach Hugo Broos prioritizes players in top domestic form.
The nine Pirates stars selected include Sipho Chaine, Deano van Rooyen, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Simphiwe Selepe, Thalente Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi, Rele Mofokeng, and Mohau Nkota. These players have all impressed throughout the 2024–25 campaign, earning their place in the national setup for the upcoming friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique.
Despite the stiff competition, Pirates players stood out thanks to their consistency and contributions across various positions. In contrast, fellow Pirates forwards Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa, who were initially part of the preliminary squad, did not make the final 23-man list. Their omission suggests the depth in attacking options available to the national team selectors.
Meanwhile, the club also confirmed the departure of veteran midfielder Miguel Timm. The 33-year-old was a regular fixture in previous seasons but saw reduced playing time due to the emergence of Thalente Mbatha and Makhehlene Makhaula in central midfield. Even Kabelo Dlamini was deployed in deeper roles ahead of Timm, signaling a shift in tactical preference by the technical team.
The inclusion of nine Orlando Pirates players in the final Bafana Bafana squad underlines the club's strength and the trust placed in its talent pipeline. While the departure of Miguel Timm marks the end of an era, it also highlights the club’s continuous evolution and ability to develop national team-ready stars. With national duties ahead, these Buccaneers will look to make a strong impact on the international stage.
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