Orlando Pirates have a total of eight players in the Bafana Bafana squad currently participating in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In the match against Angola, only three of their players were on the field and contributed to the team’s 2-1 victory.
Oswin Appollis, who has shown impressive form for both club and country, scored Bafana’s first goal of the tournament, solidifying his status as a candidate for the Player of the Season award.
Since joining Pirates six months ago, the 24-year-old has helped the team lift two trophies and could be on his way to Europe if he maintains this level of performance.
Orlando Pirates players set to shine at AFCON
Another standout from Orlando Pirates is Tshepang Moremi.
The speedy winger was brought on in the second half and immediately made an impact, helping Bafana regain momentum. Like Appollis, Moremi joined Pirates this season and has also won two trophies. Unfortunately, his goal against Angola was ruled offside.
Sipho Mbule has been another key player for the national team, but he did not perform to his potential in Bafana’s AFCON opener.
If he can find his rhythm, he may attract interest from overseas teams at the end of the season.
Relebohile Mofokeng, another talented Orlando Pirates player, is yet to make an appearance at the AFCON but is expected to receive playing time in the upcoming matches.
This AFCON could be a crucial opportunity for him, especially given his connections to European clubs. A few standout performances might be enough to secure a much-deserved move to Europe.
On the other hand, players like Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha may struggle to get enough minutes to catch the eye of bigger teams.
Orlando Pirates were eliminated early from the CAF Champions League but having close to 10 players in the AFCON could somewhat ease the pain for fans.