Orlando Pirates are undoubtedly the form team in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) heading into the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
On Monday, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos named his preliminary AFCON squad and it included 13 Pirates players. Given how consistently the Buccaneers have performed at national-team level, it wouldn’t be surprising to see at least 70% of them make the final 23-man squad.
If Bafana shine at AFCON, the spotlight on the PSL will only grow brighter and so will interest in Pirates’ top performers.
Several Buccaneers, including Mbekezeli Mbokazi, are already on the radar of European and American scouts. A strong tournament in Morocco could accelerate their departures at the end of the season.
Here are the Pirates players most likely to attract overseas offers after AFCON:
Oswin Appollis
The 24-year-old is expected to be a starter for Bafana, and his explosive pace, creative passing, and growing goal threat make him one of the standout talents in the squad. Appollis has already impressed in his debut season with Pirates, and a strong AFCON campaign could secure him a long-awaited move abroad.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Mbokazi has been exceptional since breaking into the first team earlier this year. The 20-year-old defender has already been linked with an MLS club, though his ambition is to play in one of Europe’s major leagues. Given his rapid rise, he will be one of Pirates’ most closely watched players at AFCON.
Relebohile Mofokeng
Rumours about Mofokeng leaving the Buccaneers have persisted for nearly two years. The highly rated attacker now has a prime opportunity to showcase his talent on a major international stage. First, however, he must finish the year strongly at club level to secure his spot in Broos’ final squad.
Deon Hotto
At 33, Hotto may be nearing the end of his Pirates journey. With Nkosikhona Ndaba now establishing himself at left-back, the Namibian utility player could be allowed to leave at the end of the season. With his Pirates teammates set to play at AFCON, Hotto could be calculating his next move.
If Pirates’ stars perform well in Morocco, the club may find itself dealing with multiple transfer offers.
