Orlando Pirates News Today: Bafana stars boost Bucs camp, Mbokazi praised & more

Latest Orlando Pirates news, including the return of the club’s Bafana contingent to their pre-season camp in Spain and praise for former Buccaneer Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s attitude.

Bafana stars rejoin Pirates for Spain camp

Evidence Makgopa of Orlando Pirates. — Evidence Makgopa. Image: Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates have received a significant boost ahead of Tuesday’s pre-season friendly against Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ittihad, with their World Cup players now fully reintegrated into the squad.

Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis were among the players granted a short rest period following their involvement with Bafana Bafana at the FIFA World Cup before linking up with their club teammates at the Spanish training camp.

With coach Abdeslam Ouaddou now working with his full complement of players, the Buccaneers are in good shape as they wrap up their European tour. Following Al Ittihad, Pirates still have friendlies against Las Palmas and Saudi Pro League newcomers Neom FC to come before returning home.

Orlando Pirates’ expected XI to face Al Ittihad

Tshepang Moremi of Orlando Pirates playing against Cadiz. Image: Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates face their toughest pre-season test yet when they take on Al Ittihad at the Marbella Football Center on Tuesday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00.

The fixture is the Buccaneers’ third of five pre-season friendlies, following a 1-1 draw against Córdoba CF and a 2-1 comeback victory over Cadiz CF.

Ouaddou is expected to field a stronger side than in recent matches, gradually reintroducing players who had joined camp late. The expected line-up sees Siyabonga Dladla in goal, with a defensive four of Deano van Rooyen, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sbangani Zulu and Nkosikhona Ndaba. Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Abdoulaye Mariko and Patrick Maswanganyi are set to make up the midfield, with Bohlali Ngwato, Mpho Padime and Evidence Makgopa leading the attack.

Mbokazi’s agent lauds ex-Pirate star’s humility

Mbekezeli Mbokazi shields the ball during South Africa's World Cup match against Canada. — Mbekezeli Mbokazi shields the ball during South Africa’s World Cup match against Canada. Photo: Imago

Former Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has drawn high praise from those close to him following a breakthrough year that saw him represent Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 20-year-old moved to MLS side Chicago Fire in January 2026 after an impressive stint in Pirates’ first team, and has featured in 12 of their 14 league matches, helping the club to third place in the Eastern Conference. He was also voted into the MLS All-Star team by supporters.

“Mbeke is exceptionally grounded, and we’ve seen that with his reaction to him signing at Fire,” Mbokazi’s agent Basia Michaels told iDiski Times.