Orlando Pirates have eight players in the Bafana Bafana squad at FIFA World Cup 2026.
Six of them have already played a part in South Africa’s opening two Group A matches, but two still have to make an appearance.
However, their chances of featuring on football’s grandest stage are growing increasingly unlikely.
Realistically, one looks highly unlikely to play unless there is an injury, while the other has a slightly better chance.
ORLANDO PIRATES DUO STILL WAITING IN THE WINGS
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine is yet to feature at the FIFA World Cup.
That comes as no surprise, however, as captain Ronwen Williams has started both matches in goal to date.
As Bafana Bafana skipper, he’s the first name on coach Hugo Broos’ team-sheet.
Williams played every minute of South Africa’s clashes against Mexico and Czech Republic. It would take an injury to Williams for Chaine to get his opportunity.
Meanwhile, Bucs attacker Tshepang Moremi is also still waiting for his first appearance at the tournament.
Unlike Chaine, Moremi does have a slightly more realistic route into the team.
His pace and directness out wide could still prove useful, especially if Broos wants fresh legs and attacking energy against South Korea in Bafana Bafana’s final Group A clash.
However, a place in the matchday plans is far from guaranteed.
ALSO READ: WILL THIS KAIZER CHIEFS STAR PLAY AT THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2026?
LIST OF BUCS WHO HAVE PLAYED AT FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 SO FAR:
- Nkosinathi Sibisi (started against Mexico)
- Oswin Appollis (came off the bench against Mexico, started against Czech Republic)
- Evidence Makgopa (came off the bench in both games)
- Thalente Mbatha (came off the bench against Mexico and started against Czech Republic)
- Relebohile Mofokeng (came off the bench against Czech Republic)
- Kamogelo Sebelebele (came off the bench against Czech Republic)
KAIZER CHIEFS’ CROSS AT A WORLD CUP CROSSROADS
Meanwhile, Bradley Cross is the only Kaizer Chiefs player in South Africa’s World Cup squad.
The Amakhosi defender is also yet to play a single minute after Bafana Bafana’s opening two group-stage matches.
In truth, that is unlikely to change.
Broos is expected to stick with his trusted backline of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba against South Korea.
Then there is Nkosinathi Sibisi, who appears next in the pecking order after starting the opener against Mexico when Broos opted for a more defensive set-up.
Barring injuries, Cross may once again find himself watching from the sidelines.
That said, football has a way of changing scripts when least expected.
Would you select any of the untested Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs players against South Korea?
Give us your prediction in the comments section below …
