New Orlando Pirates squad has 18 Bafana Bafana players

Orlando Pirates signed a staggering 12 new players ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. Six of the new arrivals are fresh Bafana Bafana internationals after the June international friendlies, as well as the 2025 COSAFA Cup.

The names include Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepang Moremi, Yanela Mbuthuma, and Masindi Nemtajela.

Adding the likes of Nkosinathi Sibisi and Relebohile Mofokeng, the new total number of Bafana Bafana internationals at Orlando Pirates shot up to 18.

18 BAFANA BAFANA INTERNATIONALS AT ORLANDO PIRATES

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Orlando Pirates' sensational young talent Mbekezeli Mbokazi makes his Bafana Bafana debut against Mozambique at the Peter Mokaba Stadium — *Orlando Pirates’ sensational young talent Mbekezeli Mbokazi makes his Bafana Bafana debut against Mozambique at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Image: IOL*

Using the opportunity to expand the selection pool before Afcon 2025 in December, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos picked Orlando Pirates players Deano Van Rooyen, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepang Moremi and Yanela Mbuthuma for their first caps during the friendly internationals against Mozambique and Tanzania in June.

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A few weeks later, Bafana Bafana participated in the COSAFA 2025 tournament. The team included Masindi Nemtajela, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Simphiwe Selepe, and Boitumelo Radiopane.

Meanwhile, Bafana’s ‘A team’, which competed in the Afcon and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, featured nine Orlando Pirates footballers.

Full list of all Orlando Pirates who played for Bafana Bafana last season:

1. Sipho Chaine

2. Nkosinathi Sibisi

3. Thabiso Sesane

4. Thalente Mbatha

5. Patrick Maswanganyi

6. Relebohile Mofokeng

7. Oswin Appollis

8. Tshegofatso Mabasa

9. Evidence Makgopa

10. Deano Van Rooyen