Orlando Pirates have the three best players in South Africa
A strong claim but maybe it has some legs.
Orlando Pirates are still fighting for silverware on several fronts. It’s no coincidence, given the quality and age profile of their squad.
Young stars are steering the Orlando Pirates ship
20-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng is now one of the first names on any Pirates team sheet. Jose Riveiro often opts to rotate his options across Caf Champions League and Betway Premiership action. However, young Mofokeng hardly ever gets a breather because of his growing importance to the cause. He scored again when Pirates beat Al Ahlyin Egypt. 24-year-old central midfielder Thalente Mbatha is no longer a kid himself, but he’s still got his best years ahead of him and that’s an exciting prospect. These two and young Mohau Nkota could be the attacking axis of this Pirates side for many years to come. The relatively senior figure of 26-year-old Patrick Maswanganyi is their creative heartbeat; how long he sticks around is unclear though with his old club UD Oliveirense sniffing around with a big offer.
Sundowns might have something to say
The South African champions have quality across the pitch and in all positions. Teboho Mokoena dictates the tempo and sets the tone from the base of midfield while Ronwen Williams skippers Bafana Bafana and has oodles of experience. Perhaps those two can lay claim to being South Africa’s most important players. However, Pirates may say theirs have the potential to be the most talented. It’s also true that Pirates duo Mofokeng and Mbatha were only used off the bench in Bafana’s last match, a 3-0 win over South Sudan, but there’s no denying their long-term, potential importance in the national team.
Pirates want the impressive Basadien to upgrade their left-back options
With Paseka Mako and Innocent Maela both not trusted as regular left-backs, and Deon Hotto reaching the twilight of an impressive career, Pirates want to upgrade in that portion of the pitch. According to SNL, Pirates are in pole position to sign in-demand left-back Fawaaz Basadien. The 28-year-old Stellies man has been a mainstay down that flank for the Winelands club, and his form has seen him earn national team recognition. He has two goals and two assists from 10 Betway Prem appearances this term, a stellar output for a full-back. He’s also got four goal involvements in seven CAF Confederation Cup outings. Meanwhile, in MTN8 action, Basadien has two goals and an assist this term. The Buccaneers also have their eyes on in-demand Oswin Appollis.
The Sea Robbers travel to Royal AM next
A trip to the MaMkhize-owned Royal AM is Pirates’ next challenge on their quest to become champions of South Africa. They currently trail leaders Sundowns by three points after 11 rounds of action.
Click for our predicted Pirates starting XI
Who, in your opinion, are Bafana’s three most important players?
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