Orlando Pirates’ strong influence on South African football has been highlighted once again, with nine Buccaneers earning call-ups to the latest Bafana Bafana squad—and one of them will wear the armband.
Nkosinathi Sibisi, the solid centre-back from Pirates, has been chosen by coach Hugo Broos to captain the national team in their upcoming international friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique.
Bafana Fixtures This Week
- 🇿🇦 South Africa vs Tanzania – Friday, 6 June at 19:30
- 🇿🇦 South Africa vs Mozambique – Tuesday, 10 June at 19:30
Pirates’ Presence in the National Team
The following nine players from the Soweto giants are in the final squad:
Sipho Chaine, Deano van Rooyen, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Simphiwe Selepe, Thalente Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Mohau Nkota.
Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa were part of the preliminary list but didn’t make the final squad.
When Will Sesane Return?
Meanwhile, back at Pirates, there’s growing anticipation around Thabiso Sesane’s return. The defender has been sidelined since February with a long-term injury that disrupted the team’s momentum late in the season.
Despite having depth in central defence with Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki, and Olisa Ndah, injuries and form issues have exposed the team’s vulnerability at the back. Although Mbekezeli Mbokazi has stepped up impressively, the club still misses Sesane’s calm leadership and versatility.
The 25-year-old is expected to return early in the 2025/26 season, and his comeback could be vital for Pirates’ title ambitions.
