Orlando Pirates News Today: De Sa on why Mofokeng is special, calls for Mbokazi to play in midfield

Here is the latest news about Orlando Pirates in the last 24 hours, including Roger De Sa’s high praise for Relebohile Mofokeng and the growing calls for Mbekezeli Mbokazi to play in midfield.

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De Sa on what makes Mofokeng special

Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates. Image – Pirates

Former Orlando Pirates coach Roger De Sa has praised Relebohile Mofokeng, terming him as a special player who can do what few can.

Mofokeng continues to wow fans as he leads Pirates in their fight for the league title and the veteran tactician is among those in awe of his qualities.

“He’s got that special thing in him. He can create something out of nothing. That is different from anybody else. It is different to a lot of players all over the world, definitely from players in Europe,” De Sa said on SoccerBeat.

Should Mbokazi move to midfield?

Mbekezeli Mbokazi celebrates his goal for Bafana against Panama.

Following Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s rocket of a goal against Panama last week, there are now calls for him to be moved to a defensive midfield role.

“Aaron Mokoena and Joe Mabizela dominated centre-back for Bafana Bafana but both evolved into solid defensive midfielders when they got to Europe. Mbokazi has the physique, ball striking and even the game intelligence and for me that is a combo (combination) that suggests DM material all day,” SoccerBeat analyst said.

After that BANGER – should we consider moving Mbekezeli Mbokazi to DM for Bafana Bafana?#ForTheBettor #10BetBafana #ItWontLetYouDown #ShieldIsNowRexona pic.twitter.com/0Qf1ZV0ms3
— SoccerBeat (@SoccerBeatZA) April 5, 2026

“But do you move Mbokazi to DM and weaken the defence? Or are we unlocking a midfielder for the future for Bafana Bafana?”

Can Pirates handle the heat from Sundowns?

Orlando Pirates’ title credentials are set to be put under a major test following the great form of champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Sundowns have won nine straight matches to move top of the table with 53 points from 22 matches, two ahead of Pirates, and with eight games to go, the question is whether Pirates can match them.

Deon Hotto, Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis of Orlando Pirates celebrating a goal. Photo: Orlando Pirates

Pirates have enjoyed a remarkable level of consistency this season, putting Sundowns under immense pressure but Miguel Cardoso’s side have responded in a big way since the start of the year.

With Sundowns having the experience and squad to withstand the title run-in, it is now on Pirates to show the same as any more dropped points could spell the end to their quest to win the crown for the first time since 2012.