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Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando Pirates

Mbokazi's agent reveals 'a slap in the face' offer from Europe

The 20-year-old centre-back is on his way to North America despite widespread expectations that he would secure a move to Europe. His move has raised questions about how it could influence his international prospects as Bafana Bafana prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Looking at the bigger picture, he will be hoping the move does not jeopardise his chances of making Hugo Broos’ final squad for the global football competition.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Chicago Fire, December 2025

Will Chicago Fire allow Mbokazi to play in Carling Knockout final?

The Bafana defender has signed with the Major League Soccer side, and the confirmation of his move came just days before a second cup final for Pirates this season. The 20-year-old centre-back was a pivotal player in Bucs' campaign, and appearing in the final should be a befitting goodbye for his efforts. As the Sea Robbers hunt for another trophy, only Gallants stand between them and the cup glory.

Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates

Without Pirates, blind CAFCL winner would be 'uneducated & asking for donations' as he reveals Mofokeng wish

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.

Thembinkosi Lorch & Hugo Broos, October 2025, GFX

'Chiefs rejected poor Broos, but we need Pirates' Sangoma in Bafana too - Makgopa better than Lorch?'

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.

Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates, November 2025

Clinical Pirates outclass Durban City to go top of PSL standings

The Sea Robbers were once again lethal as they managed a Premier Soccer League win over Durban City on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Meanwhile, there was a palpable sigh of relief for Pirates fans who saw Mbekezile Mbokazi back into the starting line-up again. For a week now, the centre-back has been a subject of intense debate, as reports had indicated he was closer to the exit door, reportedly on his way to Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer.

Pitso Mosimane

Mosimane predicts Chiefs will join Sundowns and Pirates in National squad influence

The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach was full of praise for the current state of South Africa’s displays on the bigger stages. Bafana Bafana recently reaped the rewards of their hard work by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will next month take the stage at the Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, Amajimbos bowed out of the FIFA U-17 World Cup earlier this month, and the senior women’s national team is busy preparing for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations [WAFCON].

Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates, November 2025

Ouaddou tells Appollis 'don't be surprised' if he is benched

There was an element of surprise again when the Moroccan tactician opted to bench the Bafana forward who has been a key player for his team. The 24-year-old came on in the second half and played a crucial role in Bucs' 2-0 victory against struggling Chippa United. Ouaddou was put to task to explain why the new signing did not start, and he defended his selection, saying every player on his team needs to be given playing and rest time.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando Pirates, October 2025

Right time for Mbokazi to leave Pirates? Critics silenced - 'Let him go'

The Bafana Bafana star has been tipped to leave the Premier Soccer League for a new challenge in Major League Soccer. The timing of his reported move has been questioned, with some saying it is too early, while others say he is ripe for a new environment. Mbokazi has experienced a sensational rise within the Bucs setup, and this propelled him to the national stage, where he has been impressive as well.

Bradley Cross, Glody Lilepo, Inacio Miguel and Aden McCarthy, Kaizer Chiefs

Huge revelation about Chiefs star explained after Bafana call-up

The Amakhosi star is among the four players from the club who have been included in the provisional Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals squad. What now remains is to see how many will be included in the final team that will head to Morocco for the continental tournament. Broos has always snubbed players from Naturena, and he previously defended his position, citing the club's poor performance.

Thembinkosi Lorch, Wydad AC, November 2025

Can Lorch's performance change Broos' stance?

Despite being snubbed by the national team head coach, the former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns player continues to prove his worth for the Moroccan giants. The Mzansi star played a crucial role as Wydad Casablanca managed a 3-0 win over Kenya's Nairobi United on Sunday at Laribi Zaouli Stadium. The win propelled the Moroccan heavyweights to the top of the table, while Nairobi United, who made it to the group stage in their debut season, are at the bottom.

Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana, November 2025

Replacing Broos! Ex-Manchester United coach backed to take charge of Bafana post-World Cup

As South Africans slowly come to terms with the expected exit of Broos next year, several native tacticians have been touted as his best successors. The Belgian tactician has had a rather successful stint with Bafana, and that means anyone who will come in after him will be expected to be as good or even far better. Broos has a chance of making his time with Bafana even a more successful story – that is, if he does well in the AFCON and the World Cup finals.

Teboho Mokoena, Bafana Bafana, November 2025

Mokoena opens up on controversial WCQ suspension - 'My mother called, and people made fun of me at the mall'

Due to the Mokoena suspension case, FIFA deducted Bafana's three points, putting their World Cup qualification in a very precarious position. However, South Africa eventually qualified despite the sanction coming in September, just before South Africa's final two critical fixtures. The star, who was at the centre of the controversy, has now opened up on how the issue affected him and his family.

Lyle Foster, South Africa, August 2025

More AFCON headache for Broos? Zwane identifies 'quality strikers' for Bafana

With the three stars, Broos is arguably scratching his head on who he should pick or leave for the upcoming continental finals. The coach has already admitted he is set to make a tough decision that will be painful for the players. With an ambition of doing better than last time out in Ivory Coast, the Belgian must pick the best players at his disposal in order to realise that particular dream.

Bafana Bafana, GFX

Sipho Mbule: From outcast to main man

'Master Chef' has done his thing in several kitchens across the Premier Soccer League, but never really settled anywhere long enough to make a lasting impression. We all know the talent is there, but is the former South Africa youth international able to put in the hard yards to produce the consistent performances needed for club and country in a critical year for South African football?