Extra Time: Michael Madyira argues that Orlando Pirates players are beginning to challenge the dominance of Mamelodi Sundowns players in the national team.
Mamelodi Sundowns players have long dominated the South Africa national team under coach Hugo Broos.
At the last Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Ivory Coast, Sundowns had 11 players in the Bafana Bafana squad, including Nyiko Mobbie, who was on loan to Sekhukhune United.
Eight Sundowns players started in several key matches against Namibia, Tunisia, Morocco, and Cape Verde. Seven also played in the semi-final match against Nigeria.
These Sundowns players often outshone their Europe-based counterparts, proving their strength on the international stage.
However, Orlando Pirates players are now challenging this dominance. During the recent international break, Pirates players stepped up, showing they are ready to play bigger roles in the national team.
While Pirates are still at a different level than Sundowns in terms of international competitiveness, they show promise.
Midfielder Thalente Mbatha became the standout player in South Africa’s 2025 Afcon qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan.
Mbatha’s late goal salvaged a 2-2 draw against Uganda, and he followed it up with another stoppage-time winner in the 3-2 victory over South Sudan.
Pirates sent five players to the latest national camp, while Sundowns had seven.
Mbatha, along with 19-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng, impressed in the matches.
Mofokeng played confidently beyond his years, while goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who made his debut against South Sudan, was solid in goal.
More challenging games will be needed for Pirates players to fully prove themselves, but they’ve shown they have the potential to become critical contributors to Bafana Bafana.
Pictured above: Bafana Bafana in action against South Sudan.
Source: Bafana Bafana
