A number of Orlando Pirates players will soon discover whether or not they have secured places in coach Hugo Broos’s final Bafana Bafana squad for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Broos is expected to name his 26-player squad on Wednesday, 27 May.
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are widely expected to dominate the squad for football’s biggest tournament, starting on 11 June.
Several Buccaneers stars appear destined for the World Cup. However, others will inevitably face the disappointment of missing out, despite their recent involvement with the national team.
ORLANDO PIRATES WILL HAVE STRONG REPRESENTATION
Orlando Pirates had six players included in Broos’s most recent 23-man Bafana Bafana squad for the back-to-back international friendlies against Panama.
Nkosinathi Sibisi earned selection alongside team-mates Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi and Thalente Mbatha.
Based on current form and Broos’s recent selection trends, all six players remain strong contenders for the final World Cup squad.
In particular, Mofokeng and Appollis appear almost certain to board the plane to tournament being co-hosted by the Unites States, Mexico and Canada.
The good news for Bucs fans is that they will no doubt have strong representation in the national side at the World Cup.
CHAINE STAKES STRONG CLAIM FOR SELECTION AFTER OUTSTANDING PSL
Furthermore, Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine could yet force his way back into contention.
The Buccaneers shot-stopper missed out on the most recent squad due to reported ‘disciplinary issues’, although those concerns have since been reportedly resolved.
Chaine has responded impressively on the pitch in recent weeks.
The Orlando Pirates goalkeeper has kept 20 clean sheets in 29 Betway Premiership matches this season, strengthening his case for inclusion in the national set-up.
Nevertheless, he still faces fierce competition from Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen, as well as established international goalkeepers already trusted by Broos, like national skipper Ronwen Williams and Ricardo Goss.
Only three goalkeepers are expected to be selected.
BAD NEWS FOR BUCS STARS
Unfortunately for some Orlando Pirates players, not every Buccaneers star will make the final cut.
Kabelo Dlamini appears highly unlikely to feature after falling out of favour with both Broos and Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
As things stand, he is no longer considered among the leading options for national selection.
Meanwhile, Patrick Maswanganyi also faces an uphill battle. Although the talented midfielder still has an outside chance, his inclusion currently appears unlikely.
Additionally, it has already been confirmed that these three Orlando Pirates players will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
WHICH ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYERS SHOULD HUGO BROOS SELECT FOR THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP?
Let us know your views in the comments below …
