Orlando Pirates News Today: Mbokazi wins big in MLS, Bucs advised on how to compete with Sundowns & many more

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Orlando Pirates News Today: Mbokazi wins big in MLS, Bucs advised on how to compete with Sundowns & many more
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Latest news about Orlando Pirates in the last 24 hours, including Mbekezeli Mbokazi winning big in MLS, Bucs advised on how to match Mamelodi Sundowns, and many more.

Mbekezeli rewarded in MLS

Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been rewarded for his impressive to start to life in Major League Soccer with Chicago Fire.

The South African defender has made the MLS All Star team in his first season in the United States. According to Chicago Fire, Mbokazi recieved more fan votes than any other player to make the team.

Mbokazi’s Chicago teammate Hugo Cuypers has also made the team, which includes Lionel Messi and Son Heung-Min.

Former Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi at Chicago Fire
Former Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi at Chicago Fire

All Star Team: Brian Schwake (Nashville SC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United FC), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC) Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake) and Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Hugo Cuypers (Chicago Fire FC), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), and Leo Messi (Inter Miami CF).

Ex-Pirates winger Zwane opens up on Bafana Bafana problem

Former Orlando Pirates winger Eugene Zwane has opened up on a Bafana Bafana ‘problem’ that has nothing to do with selection ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“It’s been a problem for Bafana, even way back when we featured at the World Cup, Pitso (Mosimane) was very vocal about the country not being able to produce enough goal-scorers, enough sharpshooters, the consequences of which South Africa struggles in international competitions,” Zwane said on SABC News.

“So the problem persists to this day, we’ve seen in the last five games Bafana I think have only won once and in most of the games we’ve been unable to score goals, in the last game we even missed a penalty, that’s how bad we are in terms of scoring goals.

Bafana coach Hugo Broos.
Bafana coach Hugo Broos. Image: SABC Sport

“So it’s going to be a big challenge, we are going to rely to a very large extend on our attacking midfielders and wingers to raise their hands, put the effort to get us some goals, maybe even one or two defenders, as we know some of them are able to score but in terms of strikers we have a problem as a country, I don’t think it matters whether or not Broos starts with (Evidence) Makgopa only, Makgopa and Lyle, both of them have not been scoring goals,” Zwane concluded.

Pirates can compete with Sundowns, but…

Former Orlando Pirates winger Dikgang Mabalane has outlined what his former side should do to compete with Mamelodi Sundowns next season.

“Pirates winning the league was way overdue. I thought they’d win it last season because they were close, but it didn’t happen. But it was a step in the right depiction and that’s how we got to win the league. The first season with Rudi Krol, we finished a close second, and then we took the title the second season,” Mabalane told iDiski Times.

“Sometimes that’s what it takes and what it means for the next season, we must not take away from what Sundowns have done, eight consecutive seasons winning the title, let’s give them credit, respect for that. Pirates are now at a level where they can compete with Sundowns.

Orlando Pirates celebrate Betway Premiership title triumph.
Orlando Pirates celebrate Betway Premiership title triumph. Photo: Otlando Pirates

“It will bring a nice competitive upcoming season, but remember, Sundowns are competing continentally [CAF Champions League] and even globally [Club World Cup], not just domestically. They have moved to a level higher, hence they acquire the quality they have.

“Yes, people complain that the foreigners take the place of local players, but this is where Pirates have to compete and up their level. They too probably have to buy more quality because they need to be competitive at that level.”

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

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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