Ouaddou Proud Of Pirates’ Squad AFCON Contribution

Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou says the club should be proud of the number of players selected for Bafana Bafana’s preliminary squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In the 54-man preliminary squad announced by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos a few days ago, Pirates contributed 12 players—more than any other club. Ouaddou believes this reflects the hard work and progress being made at the Soweto giants.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) released the final 23-man squad, along with three standby players, a few days ago.

On Thursday, details regarding the date and time of the official AFCON squad announcement will follow.

The strong Pirates representation underscores the club’s ambition to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance in the PSL, where they have won the league title eight seasons in a row.

Pirates are pushing hard this season and currently sit second on the Betway Premiership table with 25 points from 11 matches—level with Sundowns, and importantly, with a game in hand.

The Buccaneers have a chance to go top this weekend when they visit Durban City at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, while Sundowns will not be involved in domestic action due to their CAF Champions League commitments.

Sundowns face MC Alger in their second group-stage match at Stade Ali Ammar dit Ali La Ponite on Friday at 21:00.

“For the club, you have to be proud to have such a number of players in the national team,” said Ouaddou.

“You have to give credit to the club—we are working for the nation. Yes, we have a duty to get results for the team, but we also have to prepare players for the national team because soon they will go to AFCON.

“So we want to offer as many competitive players as possible to represent the country. We are at the disposal of the nation and the national team coach. We must continue working in this way and producing players who can perform for Bafana Bafana. I’m very happy for them.”

Bafana Bafana, who won the bronze medal at the delayed AFCON in Ivory Coast last year—their first medal in 24 years—are drawn in Group B for the tournament, which will be held in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026.

South Africa will open their AFCON campaign against Angola at Stade de Marrakech on 22 December.

They will then face Egypt at Stade Adrar in Agadir on 26 December before completing the group against Zimbabwe on 29 December at Stade de Marrakech.