While the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been an absolute rollercoaster for Bafana Bafana, a handful of Soweto giant superstars are experiencing the bittersweet reality of football’s grandest stage. They made Hugo Broos’s final cut, but their boots remain clean.
Orlando Pirates boasts a massive contingent of eight players in the national squad in North America. While six of those Buccaneers have already tasted on-pitch action across the opening two Group A matches, two Pirates stars are still waiting in the wings—and their windows of opportunity are rapidly closing.
The Unused Buccaneers: What Are Their Chances?
Sipho Chaine (Goalkeeper)
- The Reality: Sitting on the bench is no surprise here. Captain Ronwen Williams is firmly cemented as South Africa’s undisputed number one and has played every single minute of the tournament against Mexico and the Czech Republic. Barring an incredibly unfortunate injury or a red card to the skipper, Chaine is destined to finish the tournament as an unused backup.
Tshepang Moremi (Attacker)
- The Reality: Moremi’s path to the pitch is slightly more realistic. While he hasn’t kicked a ball yet, his electric pace and directness out wide offer a unique tactical wildcard. With a must-win clash against South Korea looming, Broos might just look to Moremi’s explosive energy off the bench to shatter a stubborn Asian defense.
Bucs on the Board: Pirates Who Have Played So Far:
- Nkosinathi Sibisi: Started the opening match against Mexico.
- Oswin Appollis: Came off the bench vs. Mexico; earned a start vs. Czech Republic.
- Evidence Makgopa: Deployed as an impactful substitute in both matches.
- Thalente Mbatha: Came on vs. Mexico; started against the Czech Republic.
- Relebohile Mofokeng: Made an exciting cameo off the bench vs. Czech Republic.
- Kamogelo Sebelebele: Introduced late against the Czech Republic.
Amakhosi’s Lone Soldier at a Crossroads
Over at Naturena, Bradley Cross is carrying the entire Kaizer Chiefs flag solo. Unfortunately, just like Chaine and Moremi, the Amakhosi defender has spent the first 180 minutes of the tournament firmly rooted to the dugout.
Realistically, Cross faces an uphill battle to break his World Cup duck. Hugo Broos has heavily favored a back four consisting of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Khuliso Mudau, and Aubrey Modiba. Even if a defensive shake-up occurs, Pirates’ Nkosinathi Sibisi is ahead of Cross in the pecking order.
Barring a catastrophic injury crisis ahead of the South Korea decider, the Glamour Boys’ only representative may return to Naturena without a single minute of game time. But as any football romantic knows, the World Cup has a beautiful habit of rewriting scripts when you least expect it.
