Orlando Pirates secured the Betway Premiership title on the final day of the 2025/2026 season, defeating Orbit College 2-0 in Mbombela on Saturday afternoon. This decisive victory propelled the club to a domestic treble, marking a significant achievement in South African club football. The triumph provides a substantial boost to the national football landscape as national team coach Hugo Broos prepares to announce his final 26-man squad before June 1. Broos is expected to reveal the squad at the Union Buildings, a location that shows the national significance of the announcement. With the recent success of domestic clubs, many players from these triumphant teams are widely anticipated to feature prominently in the national team selection. The Pirates' recent successes are seen as a positive indicator for Bafana Bafana ahead of the upcoming World Cup, injecting a renewed sense of optimism into the national team's preparations.
Dominant Club Performances
Mamelodi Sundowns secured the CAF Champions League title on Sunday night in Rabat, further noting the widespread success of South African clubs on both domestic and continental stages. Sundowns defeated AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate in the final, demonstrating their superiority over two legs. The aggregate score reflected a 1-1 draw in the away leg played in Rabat, followed by a key 1-0 home victory in Tshwane for Mamelodi Sundowns, which ultimately sealed their continental triumph. This impressive victory adds to a period of strong domestic performances by South African clubs. Orlando Pirates, for their part, ended a 14-year league trophy drought with their recent Betway Premiership win, a long-awaited success that resonated deeply with their supporters. The club's victory marked a significant achievement, not only for Orlando Pirates themselves but also in contributing to the overall positive momentum in South African football ahead of the national team's World Cup preparations. The combined achievements of these two prominent clubs signal a period of strength and depth within the South African football talent pool.
Core of the Bafana Squad
The Bafana Bafana squad features a significant contingent from the nation's top clubs, reflecting the quality and performance levels seen in the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League. Nine players from Mamelodi Sundowns have been included in the preliminary Bafana Bafana squad, forming a strong core from the reigning CAF Champions League winners. These players are Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane, and Thapelo Morena. Their experience from successful campaigns at the highest level of African club football is expected to be invaluable. Similarly, Orlando Pirates also contributes nine players to the Bafana squad, bringing a wealth of talent from the domestic treble winners. These players are Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Kamogelo Sebelebele. The substantial representation from both Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates shows the importance of club form and success in national team selection.
Out of these 18 players from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, only two are identified as having uncertain places in the final 26-man squad. This indicates a high level of confidence in the majority of these club stalwarts. Specifically, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Patrick Maswanganyi are the two players whose spots are considered not yet secure, with the final decision resting on Broos's assessment of their current form and tactical fit. Sebelebele, for instance, competes for a position at right-back or right wing-back, facing direct competition from Thabang Matuludi, who also offers strong credentials for the role. Maswanganyi, on the other hand, is positioned third in the pecking order among playmakers, behind the established talents of Relebohile Mofokeng and Themba Zwane. This competition for places notes the depth available to Broos as he finalises his squad.
Psychological Edge for World Cup
Bafana Bafana did not advance past the group stage in Afcon when the tournament was held in Morocco in December, a performance that left many disappointed. This club success, however, is seen as potentially providing a key psychological boost for the national team. The recent triumphs of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have generated a wave of positive sentiment and confidence within South African football, which could translate into improved morale and belief for the national squad. The experience of winning major titles, both domestically and continentally, instills a winning mentality and a sense of achievement among the players. This collective confidence, stemming from club-level success, is perceived as a significant advantage for Bafana Bafana as they prepare for the demanding international stage of the World Cup. The momentum generated by these club achievements could be a vital factor in helping the national team overcome past disappointments and perform strongly in the upcoming global tournament.
