Orlando Pirates have turned heads with consistent presence in the latest Bafana Bafana camps.
A total of 12 Buccaneers have been named in the expanded preliminary squad for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
ORLANDO PIRATES SURPASS MAMELODI SUNDOWNS IN BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD
While the Sea Robbers have a dozen, Mamelodi Sundowns sit on ten call-ups after dominating recent selections, including the last AFCON.
Speaking about the growing Orlanod Pirates influence in the national setup, the French-Morrocan coach explained that the club sees itself as more than just a domestic contender.
“There has to be pride in that,” Ouaddou told journalists ahead of facing Durban City in the Betway Premiership on Saturday. “We are working for the nation.”
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INTENTIONAL AIM
Ouaddou added to say that top clubs carry a responsibility beyond their own badge, especially on the eve of major tournaments like AFCON. His job, he says, isn’t only to win matches for Orlando Pirates but to sharpen players who can step up when national duty calls.
“We must produce competitive players,” he explained. “Players who are ready, who can perform, and who can help the national team when they are needed,” the former Morocco international and AS Vita coach added.
South Africa will compete in Group B alongside Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe. The first test will be against Angola on 22 December.
Orlando Pirates Players in Bafana Bafana’s Afcon preliminary squad (12)
- Oswin Appollis – Forward
- Sipho Mbule – Midfielder
- Nkosinathi Sibisi – Central defender
- Sipho Chaine – Goalkeeper
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi -Central defender
- Thalente Mbatha – Midfielder
- Tshepang Moremi – Winger
- Evidence Makgopa – Striker
- Patrick Maswanganyi – Midfielder
- Kamogelo Sebelebele – Winger
- Relebohile Mofokeng – Forward
- Masindi Nemtanjela – Midfielder
Mamelodi Sundowns Players (10)
- Khuliso Mudau – Right back
- Aubrey Modiba – Left back
- Teboho Mokoena – Midfielder
- Ronwen Williams – Goalkeeper
- Iqraam Rayners – Forward
- Bathusi Aubaas – Midfielder
- Malibongwe Khoza – Central defender
- Fawaaz Basadien – Left back
- Themba Zwane – Forward
- Thapelo Morena – Defender/Forward
Kaizer Chiefs Players (four)
- Mduduzi Shabalala – Midfielder
- Thabiso Monyane – Right back
- Brandon Petersen – Goalkeeper
- Bradley Cros – Left back.
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