Orlando Pirates News Today: Mokobodi’s tipped for Bafana, ex-coach quits Ghanaian giants & more

Latest Orlando Pirates news, including Thapelo Mokobodi’s agent’s view on the bright future for the midfielder and an ex-Bucs coach leaves Ghanaian giants.

Big things predicted for Thapelo Mokobodi

Thapelo Mokobodi’s agent believes the Orlando Pirates midfielder is on course for a national team call-up and an eventual move overseas.

Nimrod Mbhalati of Nida Sports Agency shared his views on Mokobodi’s future in an interview with FARPost, following the 23-year-old’s strong start at Mayfair.

Mokobodi joined the Buccaneers from Stellenbosch FC in the recently closed transfer window and signed a three-year contract. He has quickly become a regular under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, playing 10 matches in all competitions and scoring once.

The central midfielder has also collected two Man of the Match awards. The first came in the 3-0 MTN8 semi-final second-leg win over Sekhukhune United at Orlando Amstel Arena on 29 August. The second followed the 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over Marumo Gallants at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on 20 September, when he provided two assists.

“You know, I think he has a bright future ahead of him. I believe he can even go as far as playing for Bafana Bafana and, obviously, going overseas,” Mbhalati told FARPost.

“He is a good young man, someone who is very ambitious and works very hard. I think and believe that he has a bright future if he can continue working the way he is.

“For him to succeed, he needs to keep listening to the coaches and everyone involved in his career. He is destined for greatness.”

Ex-Orlando Pirates coach quits Ghanaian giants

Meanwhile, former Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler has surprisingly quit Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko.

According to the club, Tinkler, who has endured mixed fortunes at the club, has asked to be released from his contract amid rumours that is set to take up a job in South Africa.

🚨 Club Notice

The Board of Directors of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has agreed to the request of its Head Coach, Mr. Eric Tinkler, to be released from his contract with the Club effective immediately for personal reasons.#UnitedinHeritageDrivenbyExcellence pic.twitter.com/CR9tROjbEU

— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) September 28, 2026

Tinkler became the coach of Kotoko ahead of this season and won his first trophy although results in the league have not been inspiring with one win in four games to leave them 10 on the 18-team log with five points.

Reports indicate that he is wanted by both Durban City and Sekhukhune United, who are without a coach, following the sackings of ex-Kaizer Chiefs co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.