Bafana Bafana international Thabiso Sesane has been on an upward trajectory at Orlando Pirates since late last season.
Tapelo Xoki's injury left coach Jose Riveiro with no choice but to give the Pirates graduate a chance to prove his worth. The 24-year-old took the chance fully and has since been partnering Olisa Ndah at the heart of the Soweto Giants' defense.
In the 2024/25 season, Sesane has played 11 matches for the Buccaneers across all competitions. Interestingly, Pirates have not yet tasted defeat.
How did Hlatshwayo influence Sesane?
Sesane was recently included in coach Hugo Broos' team for the forthcoming back-to-back 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo.
He got his chance after FCSB's Siyabonga Ngezana's injury. The center-back has since revealed who he wanted to emulate.
“I will start with my role model. I grew up watching Thulani Hlatshwayo a lot. He inspired me,” he told the media.
“I would first like to thank them for the opportunity they gave me. I am happy to be here, I know that I have been working hard to get here. I think what got me where I am, is that I listen to my teammates, work hard, and listen to the coaches and never think that I have arrived.”
Chaine happy with Sesane's development
Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine is another Pirates player who has been included in the Bafana Bafana team for international games.
The custodian is happy with what his club teammate has been able to achieve and the characteristics that have helped him grow as a player.
“I think he has grown up to be a very big boy in a very short space of time, he is a good guy. He listens, he takes instructions and he works hard as he said; and I think he is on the right path to being a very good player.”
Sesane might be handed a start on Friday against Congo in the 2025 Afcon qualifier.
