Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has expressed immense pride
in the nine players from his squad selected for South Africa’s upcoming
Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
National coach Hugo Broos announced his final squad on Monday, with a
significant contingent coming from the Buccaneers. Speaking at the Rand
Stadium ahead of this weekend’s Carling Knockout final against Marumo
Gallants, Ouaddou emphasized the club’s commitment to the national cause.
“First and foremost, we are proud as a club. I am proud as a coach of my
players for earning this honour,” said Ouaddou. “I have said before that
Orlando Pirates is a club that works for the nation. We are fully available
for the national team and for collaboration with coach Broos. Seeing so many
of our players selected, we simply wish them all the best.”
However, the Moroccan-born mentor was clear that immediate focus rests on
securing silverware. Pirates face Marumo Gallants at the Peter Mokaba
Stadium on Saturday in the Carling Knockout final.
“Before we speak about the national team, we have a target this week,”
Ouaddou stated. “After that, we will gladly wish our players the best of
luck at Afcon.”
The nine Pirates players named in the Bafana Bafana squad are: Sipho Chaine,
Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Oswin Appollis, Thalente Mbatha, Sipho
Mbule, Tsephang Moremi, Relebogile Mofokeng, and Evidence Makgopa.
