Pirates coach Ouaddou reveals his advice to AFCON-bound stars

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Pirates coach Ouaddou reveals his advice to AFCON-bound stars
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Orlando Pirates produced nine players for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to start in Morocco on December 21 to January 18.

Defending Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns produced five with players playing trade abroad getting eight slots. Siwelele FC, Polokwane City and TS Galaxy produced one each.

The Buccaneers were rewarded for their rich form domestically where they are topping the Premier Soccer League table with 28 points, two more than Mamelodi Sundowns who have played a game more.

Ahead of the competition, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has revealed what he told the players who got a chance to represent their respective teams.

What Ouaddou told AFCON-bound players

“The AFCON breaks comes at the right moment because we have been playing so many games, if you take in consideration Champions League, cups and league,” the former Morocco defender told the media.

“We played more games than many teams, so the break comes at the right moment and it’s a moment of the national team as well.

“The nation needs our players; the nation needs fit players. I want them to give everything; it’s not a holiday for some of them.

“The guys who are going to the national team, I’ll watch their games, and I’ll be close to them and will evaluate their performances because I told them, they must go to the national team and give 100% for their country,” Ouaddou concluded.

Bafana Bafana team for AFCON

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), and Sipho Chaine [Orlando Pirates].

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Mbekezile Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi (both Orlando Pirates), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB), and Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers).

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalenthe Mbatha (Orlando Pirates),  and Siphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela).

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Mbule, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (AL Ettifaq), Lyle Foster (Burnley FC), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge), and Elias Mokwane (AL Hazem).

Stand-by players: Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), and Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC).

<!-- 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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