During the recent international break, several players from Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs represented their respective national teams. Below is an overview of their performances.
KAIZER CHIEFS PLAYERS
- Fiacre Ntwari (Rwanda)
The Rwandan goalkeeper took to the field for his national team, successfully preventing the Super Eagles from scoring in their second match of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. He made an impressive nine saves, eight of which occurred within the penalty area.
Throughout the 90 minutes, Ntwari recorded 41 touches and achieved a pass accuracy of 56%. His outstanding performance earned him the title of Man of the Match. In the opening match against Libya, he conceded a single goal while playing away.
Ntwari joined Amakhosi from TS Galaxy during the current transfer window, enhancing their goalkeeping options in light of Itumeleng Khune's absence this season.
- Rushwin Dortley (Bafana Bafana)
Despite previous criticisms regarding the Bafana Bafana defense in recent matches, Dortley performed commendably as an individual player.
Although he lacks extensive international experience, he exhibited remarkable composure in defense whenever the ball came his way.
Similar to Ntwari, Dortley was acquired by the Phefeni Glamour Boys from Cape Town Spurs prior to the start of this season.
- Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (Botswana)
The 25-year-old captain led his national team, although they faced significant challenges, suffering defeats in both matches.
Botswana lost 1-0 to Mauritania and endured a 4-0 defeat to Egypt, led by Mohammed Salah.
Ditlhokwe played the full duration of both encounters.
ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYERS
- Thalente Mbatha (Bafana Bafana)
He emerged as the hero, rescuing Hugo Broos' men after being introduced late in both encounters.
In his debut for Bafana against Uganda, he netted a late equaliser, ensuring a 2-2 draw and securing a point for South Africa.
In a similar scenario against South Sudan, he again scored late, earning the 1996 AFCON champions three points on the road, with the match concluding at 3-2.
Relebohile Mofokeng (Bafana Bafana)
Like Mbatha, he entered the field late in both contests but made a significant impact.
His efforts in pressuring the opposition contributed to both goals scored by his Pirates teammate, Mbatha.
- Sipho Chaine (Bafana Bafana)
The 27-year-old goalkeeper made his debut for the South African national team in a match against South Sudan.
Unfortunately, he conceded two goals, one of which was a penalty, while the other was scored from close range.
He couldn’t do much to stop the two balls.
- Olisa Ndah (Nigeria)
Ndah received praise upon his return to the Super Eagles. In their initial match against Benin, he was brought on in the 63rd minute for Alex Iwobi and partnered with William Troost-Ekong in defense.
He did not participate in their second match against Rwanda.
- Deon Hotto (Namibia)
He is a pivotal player for the Namibian national team, participating in both matches against Kenya and Cameroon.
He scored against Cameroon, although Namibia lost 2-1 in that away match.
- Patrick Maswanganyi (Bafana Bafana)
He was included in the squad for both matches but did not take to the field in either game.