Six Orlando Pirates Players Called Up for South Africa’s AFCON Qualifiers

Six players from Orlando Pirates have been named in South Africa‘s senior men’s national football squad, as announced on Thursday afternoon. This comes ahead of the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers set to begin later this month.

Bafana Bafana is set to resume their bid for qualification for the continental championship, which will take place next year in Morocco. They are preparing for back-to-back matches against Congo, presently holding the second spot in Group K, with four points from their two unbeaten opening fixtures.

The 23-member national squad features several new additions, including Thabiso Sesane, a product of the Bucs Academy. Recognized for his consistent performances with the Soweto Giants since his return from loan, Sesane has earned his maiden call-up to the national team.

As part of the Pirates’ starting lineup, Sesane looks forward to potentially acquiring his first senior international cap in the coming weeks. He follows in the footsteps of teammates Thalente Mbatha and Sipho Chaine, who made their Bafana Bafana debuts during the last international break.

These players, together with the midfield duo of Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi, remain part of the squad. Regular national team member, defender Nkosinathi Sibisi, also continues to be selected.

Bafana Bafana will host the Leopards in Gqeberha on Friday, 11 October, before heading to Brazzaville for the return match four days later. Additional Pirates players might join the AFCON Qualifiers as more national federations finalize their squads in the coming days.