Orlando Pirates were the team to watch before the FIFA break, having won eight successive matches across all competitions.
So far, the Buccaneers have already bagged the MTN8 trophy last month, which was their fourth successive MTN8 triumph. Under Abdeslam Ouaddou, Pirates have shown character and intent in the last matches and are considered favourites to win the Betway Premiership alongside Mamelodi Sundowns.
During Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualifiers, Hugo Broos called in eight Bafana Bafana players to his squad. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who has been a rock for not only Orlando Pirates, but the national team, has been a player to watch across the African continent.
The 20-year-old has marshalled the Bucs defence and is now a regular for his club and country. Against Zimbabwe, the hard-tackling defender was given a red card, ruling him out of the final World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on Tuesday.
This is bad news for Bafana but for the Buccaneers, Ouaddou knows ‘TLB’ will get a rest and be ready for the club’s next match.
Which players will leave Orlando Pirates end of the season
With Mbokazi linked to a move to Europe, expect more clubs to come for Pirates stars. TLB, Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis might attract moves overseas.
Mofokeng was one of the players set to leave but it appears that Orlando Pirates might not have gotten a good offer from a top club. The 20-year-old is currently injured but is more likely to be playing in his last season for the Sea Robbers.
Another player who could be playing his last season for the Buccaneers is Tshegofatso Mabasa. The 28-year-old striker needs just a few goals to become Orlando Pirates’ leading goalscorer. If he does so, he might fancy a move to North Africa or the Middle East.