Orlando Pirates news

The Buccaneers continue to produce a high number of quality players through their developmental structures. While some of these youngsters have successfully broken into the first team, several others have been sent out on loan to gain valuable experience. However, one of their players has now left the club.

The former Bucs coach is in South Africa as a brand advocate for Carling Black Label, the sponsors of the Carling Knockout Cup, and shared his thoughts on the impact the Belgian tactician has had on the national team.

A huge chunk of players that will represent Mzansi in the continental showpiece come from the Soweto giants. But before the players leave for AFCON, they have a crucial duty for the club. A date with destiny awaits them as they will face Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup final.

The Denmark-based player continues to be overlooked by South Africa coach Hugo Broos despite his consistent performances overseas. Even when the 27-year-old wing-back hits top form for his club, the 2017 AFCON-winning trainer shows little trust in including him in his plans. It has become increasingly clear that Broos does not hold him in high regard, leaving many to question what more the player must do to earn a call-up.

After days of intense speculation, the defender's move has now been announced by his new side. The Mzansi star, who has been an impressive figure for both the Premier Soccer League giants and the national team, becomes the second youngest gem to leave the Soweto giants after Mohau Nkota. The Major League Soccer side has also revealed the contract details of the defender.

The Glamour Boys are yet to find convincing results in their CAF Confederations Cup group campaign. They opened their account with a 2–1 defeat to Al Masry in Egypt, before managing only a single point in their home fixture against Zamalek on Saturday — a match in which they had hoped to capitalise on home advantage. Interestingly, in both encounters, Chiefs’ only moments of real threat came from an unexpected source, with right-back Dillan Solomons popping up as the unlikely goal contributor.

Broos has selected a group of predominantly core, key regulars, but there are some surprises as South Africa looks to go one better than their semi-final berth at the 2023 AFCON. There are no Kaizer Chiefs players in the 25-man group, while a few youngsters have cracked the nod.

The retired Sea Robber has stated he keeps tabs on the club's development and is happy with how the Soweto giants are doing. The Bucs legend has also said he is thankful to the club for how it has helped him live a decent life, and were it not for them, his life would have been worse. Among the players he fondly follows is Mofokeng, a promising forward within the club's ranks.

After back-to-back CAF Confederation Cup games, Amakhosi return to domestic assignments as a Premier Soccer League game awaits them on Wednesday. Should the Glamour Boys win their two games before the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals break, they will be level with arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at the top of the PSL table. The Sea Robbers overtook Mamelodi Sundowns after beating Durban City.

The KwaZulu-Natal club has made a major decision on their coach just before Premier Soccer League teams go for the AFCON break. It comes as no surprise that they dismissed the former Amakhosi tactician, especially after reports indicated that his departure was imminent. He joins a list of this season's casualties, Luc Eymael and Sinethemba Badela were also shown the exit door by Chippa United.

When Broos named his final squad for the AFCON finals, there was not much surprise because he maintained the core players who have always dominated his teams. Amakhosi stars were once again snubbed, although Mduduzi Shabalala was named among the reserve players. In recent times, Orlando Pirates have been contributing a huge chunk of players to the national side, a privilege enjoyed by Mamelodi Sundowns before.

After a long wait, the Belgian has now named the players he will take to Morocco in the hunt for yet another continental trophy for South Africa. As usual, his selection has divided opinion as fans and pundits debate who should be in the squad and who should not be. The former Cameroon head coach has now explained why he selected two skillful attackers.

The Bucs vice-captain has been one of the standout performers in the Premier Soccer League, firmly cementing his place in the Buccaneers’ camp while also making waves in the Bafana Bafana setup as a reliable centre-back. His performances have spoken for themselves, and it comes as no surprise that he is now heavily linked with a move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire.