Six Orlando Pirates Players Earn Call-Ups to South Africa’s National Squad as the Team Faces Uganda in a Pivotal AFCON Qualifier Clash in Kampala

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers are heating up, and Orlando Pirates players are once again at the center of the action.

With the final rounds of qualification approaching, the Pirates will be well-represented as eight players have earned call-ups to their respective national teams for the upcoming international break.

These players are set to make their mark in the battle for spots in next year’s AFCON tournament, which will take place in Morocco.

Bafana Bafana: Six Pirates Called Up

Bafana Bafana, South Africa’s national football team, leads the way with six Pirates players included in their squad.

Coach Hugo Broos has selected Evidence Makgopa, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Relebohile Mofokeng as the three forwards from Pirates.

Makgopa, who is in great form with six goals already this season, makes his return to the squad after a strong performance in the previous AFCON tournament.

Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine and defender Nkosinathi Sibisi also retain their spots, while midfielder Thalente Mbatha makes a comeback after missing the last squad due to injury.

South Africa will face Uganda in Kampala on November 15th for a crucial top-of-the-table clash and will follow up with a home match against South Sudan in Cape Town on November 19th.

Currently, Bafana Bafana sits second in Group K and is looking to secure their place in Morocco.

Angola’s Gilberto Returns to the Fold

Angola’s national team, the Palancas Negras, has also called up a Pirates player.

Attacking midfielder Gilberto is the only representative from Orlando Pirates in Angola’s squad.

Gilberto’s inclusion follows his return to the team during Angola’s recent back-to-back victories over Niger in October.

The wins secured Angola’s spot in the AFCON tournament, and now the team will look to maintain their perfect record in the qualifiers.

They will host Ghana on November 15th before traveling to Sudan for their final match on November 18th.

Namibia’s Deon Hotto Eyes Pride in Final Matches

Namibia, out of contention for AFCON qualification after losses to Zimbabwe, has selected Deon Hotto for their upcoming fixtures.

Hotto, a key player for the Brave Warriors, will be looking to lead his side to a strong finish, with matches against Cameroon and Kenya still to play.

Namibia will host Cameroon at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on November 13th before traveling to Nairobi to face Kenya.

Although the team can no longer qualify, they will be aiming to finish strong and avoid finishing at the bottom of Group J.

Upcoming AFCON Qualifiers Featuring Pirates Players

Here’s a look at the upcoming fixtures involving Orlando Pirates players:

Wednesday, 13 November

• Namibia vs Cameroon at Orlando Stadium, 15:00

Friday, 15 November

• Uganda vs South Africa at Mandela National Stadium, 15:00
• Angola vs Ghana at Estádio 11 de Novembro, 21:00

Monday, 18 November

• Sudan vs Angola at Martyrs of Benina Stadium, 18:00

Tuesday, 19 November

• South Africa vs South Sudan at Cape Town Stadium, 15:00
• Kenya vs Namibia at Mandela National Stadium, 15:00

With several Pirates players set to feature across these crucial games, fans will be eager to see their stars represent their countries in the push for AFCON glory.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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