The dominance of Orlando Pirates players in the Bafana Bafana squad for
the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations has sparked debate about its potential
impact on the Betway Premiership title race.
Pirates contributed a leading nine players to the final 25-man AFCON squad,
while perennial champions Mamelodi Sundowns saw their representation drop to
just five. This shift coincides with a rare Christmas break where Pirates
sit top of the league, two points ahead of Sundowns with a game in hand.
For years, Sundowns’ large contingent of national team players has been
viewed as a psychological and competitive edge. Now, with the tables turned,
former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Brent Carelse has weighed in on whether
this gives Pirates an advantage.
“It’s definitely a confidence-booster for them as a team and as a group,”
Carelse told the Siya crew. “But we all know the league is a marathon, and
we’re only close to the half-way stage.”
Carelse highlighted that the real impact will be determined by events at
AFCON itself. “What’s important is what is going to happen at the AFCON. If
a lot of those Pirates players play, we’re not sure how they will come back.
Will they be 100 percent, physically and mentally? That’s the only thing we
can do—wait and see after AFCON.”
He concluded by noting that strong individual performances in Morocco could
further fuel Pirates’ campaign. “I’m sure for them as a club, their
confidence is high. If they do well at AFCON, it will make things better for
them in terms of the title race. It’s exciting for them knowing they are on
top. But like I’m saying, it’s a marathon.”
