Orlando Pirates News Today: How Broos hurt Tito, Rele to be something big, ex striker into politics, & more

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Orlando Pirates News Today: How Broos hurt Tito, Rele to be something big, ex striker into politics, & more

The latest Orlando Pirates news in the last 24 hours including how World Cup snub hurt Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng tipped to be big for South Africa, former Bucs striker into politics, and more.

Pirates news as they break

How Broos & Co. ‘hurt’ Tito

Al Khaldiyah attacker Patrick Maswanganyi has opened up about missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Bafana Bafana, saying it hurt him.

The 28-year-old was named in Hugo Broos’ preliminary squad for the global showpiece held in the USA, Mexico and Canada where Bafana eventually went on to make history and reach the second round of the tournament.

However, the former Orlando Pirates man didn’t make the final cut with his former coach Abdeslam Ouaddou saying had the player listened to him he might have been part of the travelling party to the World Cup.

He admitted he wanted to go America and that he wouldn’t know what Ouaddou meant by his sentiments as he always gave his all at the national team.

“You know, it happened and I had done everything I could with the opportunities I got from the coach,” Tito told SAFJA

“And I wouldn’t know what he [Ouaddou] ‘s talking about because if you have watched any opportunity, I got at that time, I always made sure I do something. You know I help the team and I play my heart out. So, for me, I had done everything I could.

Patrick Maswanganyi at Alkhaldiya Sports Club.
Patrick Maswanganyi at Alkhaldiya Sports Club. Image: Patrick Maswanganyi at Alkhaldiya Sports Club.

“Missing out on the World Cup is something that hurt me, but you know, sometimes you need to live for those kinds of things that they happen in football,” he concluded.

Rele is going to be something big for Mzansi

Patrick Maswanganyi has made an admission of having enjoyed playing with former Orlando Pirates teammate Relebohile Mofokeng who he reckons is destined for bigger things.

The two played together at Pirates for three seasons between 2023 and 2026 and last season helped the side complete a domestic treble that included the Betway Premiership title. They’ve both made moves abroad this term with ‘Tito’ on the books of Al Khalidiyah in the Bahrain Premier League and Mofokeng with Royale Union SG in Belgium where he has already made a good impression.

Tito raved about the 2026 SAFJA Men’s Footballer of the Year’s qualities adding that he’s also told him to consider signing for Maswanganyi’s favourite English side Arsenal.

“I think when I got to Pirates, Rele was already in the first team because he had played games before I came to Orlando Pirates,” Tito opened up to SAFJA.

“I would say for me playing with him, it was very amazing, and you know I’ve always enjoyed seeing him on the ball.

Relebohile Mofokeng celebrates his goal for Bafana.
Relebohile Mofokeng celebrates his goal for Bafana. Image: Imago

“You know, from training, he’s been great, and from what he’s achieved, it’s a very big thing for his age. I think he’s someone who’s been humble, someone who listens and someone who knows what to do with the ball.

“He’s a great footballer, and I believe that he is going to be something big for South Africa, and I think he’s in the right place. And I’ve also told him not to sign for any team than Arsenal because we need him at Arsenal,” he concluded.

Ex-Pirates striker into politics

Former Orlando Pirates striker Thulasizwe Mbuyane, who has started to dip his toes into the politics arena, is ready to continue serving his community beyond the Local Government Elections.

The man known by the ‘Juju’ moniker by football fanatics was campaigning under the Liberation Forum South Africa banner and vying the top position for ward 67 in Tshwane.

Simphiwe Duze, who turned out in defence for Golden Arrows, is another former PSL star who was running for a position with one of the political parties during the elections in Kwazulu-Natal.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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  • Football Odds
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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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