Orlando Pirates boss Abdeslam Ouaddou has reportedly decided on whether he’ll be bringing in a new striker over January.
Meanwhile, Tshegofatso Mabasa’s future could be with Kaizer Chiefs.
Pirates boss Ouaddou seems to be happy with his striking options, hinting that he won’t dip into the market for another one, and could promote Sifiso Luthuli from within the youth ranks after an impressive showing and a goal against the Carling All Stars.
A deal for De Jong is almost done; Mabasa to Kaizer Chiefs?
29-year-old New Zealander Andre de Jong is on the brink of sealing a switch from Stellenbosch to the Sea Robbers. Known for his tactical intelligence and work ethic, he operates best just behind a striker. This now makes a move for an out-and-out striker less likely. Evidence Makgopa is currently the first choice for club and country, while Yanela Mbuthuma is a capable backup. The immediate future of Tshegofatso Mabasa is unclear; the 2022-23 PSL Golden Boot winner has emerged as a target for Kaizer Chiefs.
Orlando Pirates strongly represented in the Bafana 2025 AFCON squad
25 players have been called up for AFCON duty, while three remain on standby. There’s a good mix of locally-based players and ones based abroad.
Goalkeepers
- Ronwen Williams – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Sipho Chaine – Orlando Pirates
- Ricardo Goss – Siwelele FC
Defenders
- Khuliso Mudau – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Nkosinathi Sibisi – Pirates
- Khulumani Ndamane – TS Galaxy
- Thabang Matuludi – Polowkane City
- Siyabonga Ngezana – FCSB
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Chicago Fire
- Aubrey Modiba – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Samukelo Kabini – Molde
- Tylon Smith – Queens Park Rangers
Midfielders
- Teboho Mokoena – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Bathusi Aubaas – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Thalente Mbatha – Pirates
- Sphephelo Sithole – Tondela
Forwards
- Oswin Appollis – Orlando Pirates
- Mohau Nkota – Al Ettifaq
- Sipho Mbule – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Relebohile Mofokeng – Orlando Pirates
- Elias Mokwana – Al Khazem
- Shandre Campbell – Club Brugge
- Lyle Foster – Burnley
- Tshepang Moremi – Pirates
- Evidence Makgopa – Pirates
Three players have been placed on standby to train in South Africa in case of injury:
- Iqraam Rayners – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Mduduzi Shabalala – Kaizer Chiefs
- Thabo Moloisane – Stellenbosch