Nine Buccaneers Set for Bafana Duty - Orlando Pirates FC

Orlando Pirates will be fairly represented during the upcoming FIFA international break after South Africa men's national team head coach Hugo Broos finalised his squad for next Saturday's clash against Zambia. Bafana Bafana begin their preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a friendly match against Chipolopolo at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. In the final group of 23 players - trimmed down from an initial 39-man preliminary squad - nine Buccaneers have made the cut and have the opportunity to enhance their chances of featuring in the continental showpiece event taking place in Morocco from December. Midfielder Masindi Nemtajela is among the new faces in the squad, having received his first national call-up. This is after establishing himself as a first team regular for the Soweto Giants, turning in some impressive performances since debuting for the club in September. The rest of the Bucs contingent are players retained from the group that did duty in South Africa's successful FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. They include goalkeeper Sipho Chaine along with the defensive duo of Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Nkosinathi Sibisi. Thalente Mbatha shores up the midfield, while Sipho Mbule, Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi all add attacking firepower alongside striker Evidence Makgopa. The group will depart the Bucs camp to join their national teammates shortly after Saturday's Carling Knockout semifinal against Richards Bay. The friendly match between South Africa and Zambia gets underway on Saturday, 15 November and will kick off at 18:00.