Four Orlando Pirates players could be set for international debuts in the upcoming FIFA window, following the announcement of the South Africa squad that’s scheduled to host two Friendly matches next month.
A youthful 23-man squad was named by Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos on Thursday afternoon, and it featured a total of nine Buccaneers. Four uncapped players are part of the Bucs contingent that will be on national duty for the two fixtures against African rivals, Tanzania and Mozambique.
Recent DDC graduates make up the bulk of new Pirates players called up to the squad, with Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Simphiwe Selepe and Mohau Nkota all making the cut for the first time in their careers. All three youngsters debuted at various stages of the 2024/25 season and were quick to establish themselves as key players in a star-studded squad.
Their efforts have been duly rewarded with inclusion into the senior national setup, along with another potential debutant in right-back Deano van Rooyen. The 28-year-old joined the Soweto Giants early in the recently-concluded campaign and quickly adapted to his new environment, consistently producing solid performances in the club’s colours.
The quartet joins familiar faces in the Bafana setup, with Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Relebohile Mofokeng and Thalente Mbatha retained from the squad that did duty in the previous international break in March, along with Patrick Maswanganyi who was initially named for the World Cup qualifiers before withdrawing due to injury.
All nine players have the chance to stake a claim for a regular spot in the national team as Broos looks to build depth ahead of a busy period in the next few months, which includes the last round of qualifiers as well as the 2025 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
South Africa take on Mozambique at Free State Stadium on Wednesday, 4 June before making a short trip to Tshwane where they will be in action against Tanzania two days later.
