Bafana Bafana meet Zimbabwe and Rwanda in World Cup qualifiers. Eight Orlando Pirates players are there, while Hugo Broos picked exactly ZERO Kaizer Chiefs players.
Controversy surrounds South Africa’s quest to qualify for the 2026 showpiece after a three-point deduction for fielding Teboho Mokoena in a March qualifier against Lesotho.
The Sundowns maestro was deemed ineligible but is included here.
Where is Orlando Pirates stalwart Thabiso Sesane?
Orlando Pirates stars feature heavily for Bafana in World Cup qualifiers
Eight Orlando Pirates players have made the cut for Hugo Broos’ latest squad. They are Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, Tshepang Moremi and Relebohile Mofokeng. TS Galaxy defender Khulumani Ndamane, Polokwane defender Thabang Matuludi and Norway-based Samukele Kabini are some refreshingly new names.
Stellies vs Kaizer Chiefs: Date, kickoff time, predicted Amakhosi XI
Stellies vs Kaizer Chiefs: Date, kickoff time, predicted Amakhosi XI
When are Bafana’s qualifiers?
South Africa meets Zimbabwe on Friday, 10 October and then Rwanda on Monday, the 13th.
Orlando Pirates wait on Sesane
Thabiso Sesane started the 2024-2025 campaign in domineering form, becoming a pillar in the heart of their defence. It was, therefore, a massive blow to the club and player when he picked up a serious tendon injury in February. The rupture was deemed bad enough for the 25-year-old to undergo surgery. Full recovery could take anywhere between four and six months. If Sesane’s rehabilitation continues going smoothly, he could be back in training after the international break and eyeing a return in October.
Kaizer Chiefs snubbed by Bafana
No Chiefs players are included, despite the club’s recent resurgence and promising early-season performances from the likes of Thabo Cele, Mduduzi Shabalala, Pule Mmodi and Khanyisa Mayo.