Orlando Pirates News Today: Why Bucs stars can help Bafana, transfer targets revealed & more

Latest about Orlando Pirates, including why their players can be the difference makers for Bafana against Czechia and the three players the club is targeting.

Why Pirates stars can help Bafana overcome Czechia

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is looking forward to his team facing the Czech Republic at the World Cup on Thursday and he will need his players to be at their best and also come up with a good tactical plan.

Oswin Appollis celebrating a Bafana Bafana goal. Image: SAFA

However, there is belief that he left a lot of match winners on the bench when his side lost 2-0 to Mexico last Thursday and most of them play for Pirates.

Midfielder Thalenthe Mbatha could be the beneficiary of Sphephelo Sithole’s suspension, after being overlooked against Mexico, while with Themba Zwane also suspended, Relebohile Mofokeng could slot in at number 10.

Further forward, winger Oswin Appollis can provide Bafana with attacking spark while striker Evidence Makgopa offers a focal point and physicality that Lyle Foster and Iqraam Rayners cannot.

Bus target trip to beef up defence and attack

Siyanda Ndlovu of Golden Arrows is wanted by Orlando Pirates. Image: Golden Arrows

Meanwhile, Pirates may have signed four players in Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Sbangani Zulu, Bohale Ngwato and Ghampani Lungu, but they have cast their eyes on more attacking and defensive reinforcements.

As per Soccer Laduma, the Buccaneers are interested in Golden Arrows’ attacking duo Siyanda Ndlovu and Ayabulela Maxwele while right-back Thabang Matuludi of Polokwane City is also on their radar.

Shandu bids emotional farewell to Orlando Pirates

Defender Bandile Shandu has bid farewell to the Buccaneers after the club confirmed his contract will not be renewed at the end of the month.

The 31-year-old took to Instagram to reflect on a five-year spell in which he accumulated an impressive collection of silverware, including two Nedbank Cup trophies, four MTN8 titles, one Carling Knockout Cup and a Betway Premiership title.

He also reached the final of the 2021/22 CAF Confederation Cup, where Pirates finished as runners-up, and ended that continental campaign as the tournament’s third-highest goal scorer.

“I leave with nothing but cherished memories,” wrote the right-back, who joined the club from Maritzburg United in July 2021 and went on to make 110 appearances in all competitions.