SEVEN Orlando Pirates players in latest Bafana Bafana squad, one shock omission

Seven Orlando Pirates players have been picked in the latest Bafana Bafana squad. However, one player can count himself extremely unlucky to have been ignored.

Seven Pirates players picked for Bafana, Mabasa left out

Defenders Tapelo Xoki, Thabiso Monyane, Innocent Maela and Nkosinathi Sibisi join attackers Evidence Makgopa, Patrick Maswanganyi and teenager Relebohile Mofokeng. Mofokeng’s maiden call-up has been celebrated by many quarters on social media. The youngster has three goals and five assists in the league this season. That form has alerted suitors in Scotland, Austria and Egypt. Tshegofatso Mabasa, the current leader in the Golden Boot race with 15 strikes in the DStv Premiership, is controversially left out.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announces preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe in June pic.twitter.com/rHSxuUgAyk

back link building services=0></a></div><p>— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) <a href=

May 15, 2024

Image: @bafanabafana / X

Mofokeng on his way out of South Africa?

According to football agent Braden Proctor, via SoccerLaduma, Relebohile Mofokeng will be the next big name to leave South African shores and try his hand in Europe or elsewhere in Africa. There are rumours that Scottish giants Glasgow Celtic, RB Salzburg in Austria and Egypt’s Al Ahly are all monitoring the teenager’s situation. He also went on trial at English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers. Pirates know deep down that a move away from the club might be inevitable for Mofokeng, but they still hold a strong bargaining position. The Sea Robbers could do worse than drumming up interest in the star, who’s under a long contract with them, to create a bidding war. Extracting the maximum value for their prized asset is non-negotiable.

Guest posting agency=0></a></div><p>Orlando Pirates’ Relebohile Mofokeng vs Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Hospital. Image: BackpagePix</p><h3 class=

ARE THE BUCS DOING A DEAL FOR JOHANNES?

According to KickOff.com, Pirates are in an advanced state of negotiations with SuperSport defender Kegan Johannes. The 23-year-old is a specialist right-back but more than capable of slotting into a central defensive role. New man Thabiso Lebitso, has been impressive on the right-hand side but is on loan from Chippa. Meanwhile, Bandile Shandu could be on the way out of the club after seeing his first-team minutes dry up. Thabiso Monyane is the natural option in that position. Johannes would provide depth and backup in two areas. Johannes has made 16 appearances in the league for Matsatsantsa this term.

“Pirates are thin in the right back position. They are keen to sign Kegan Johannes. The negotiations between the two clubs are now at an advanced stage,” said their source.