Soweto giants Orlando Pirates continue to contribute a large portion of the Bafana Bafana squad.
In fact, six Buccaneers were named in Hugo Broos’ recent 23-man squad set to face Panama in two friendlies in the coming days.
However, a few Orlando Pirates stars did not make the cut – and some haven’t done so for quite some time.
It has become clear that at least one Orlando Pirates player is no longer in the national picture, while others were perhaps surprisingly omitted as the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws near.
From bad to worse
Kabelo Dlamini has not been selected for the national side since making the cut back in June 2025 when he was selected for the COSAFA Cup side.
Since then, things have gone from bad to worse for the 29-year-old attacking midfielder.
He has fallen down the pecking order at Orlando Pirates, making just nine appearances across all competitions this season.
He has played just 212 minutes at an average of 24 minutes per game.
Currently, the likes of Makhehleni Makhuala, Patrick Maswanganyi, Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha are all ahead of him.
If Dlamini is to revive his national career, he will need to find a club where he can play more frequently, as he cannot play his way back into contention if he is hardly suiting up.
SUPRISE BUCS EXCLUSIONS
Meanwhile, Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule and Sipho Chaine all did not make the recent Bafana Bafana squad.
This comes as a surprise given the fact these players were part of the 2025 AFCON squad.
Moreover, they are in good form for Orlando Pirates in the league.
As reported on The South African, Chaine’s absence may be attributed to discipline issues.
Meanwhile, Appollis’ omission comes down to stiff competition up front. Team-mate Tshepang Moremi beat him to the punch after he was called up by Broos.
Finally, Mbule has missed a lot of action due to injury, but he recently returned to the Bucs bench for their Betway Premiership encounter against Marumo Gallants.
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