The Orlando Pirates players involved in international action over the past week will return to camp with a sense of accomplishment, having helped their respective nations to a strong position during the ongoing FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Namibia and South Africa were represented by members of the current Buccaneers squad during the September international break, with both nations remaining in contention for spots in the global showpiece that will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.
Namibia’s Brave Warriors kept their chances of qualification alive as they closed things off in style with a convincing 3-0 over minnow São Tomé and Príncipe in their game played in Francistown, Botswana on Tuesday afternoon.
Veteran winger Deon Hotto provided another energetic display during his 86 minutes on the pitch. He supplied the assist for striker Peter Shalulile’s hat-trick goal with an excellent cross from the right flank.
It was the perfect comeback for Collin Benjamin’s troops, who had fallen short in the previous match day when they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Malawi.
The three points earned against the islanders strengthened their position in second place in Group H, as they remained within a shot of qualifying for the playoffs scheduled to take place in November with leaders Tunisia already confirmed as outright group winners.
Later in the day, Bafana Bafana added another point to their tally to maintain their spot at the top of Group C when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Nigeria in a highly physical encounter. Three Buccaneers featured in the starting XI, with defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi impressing with a Man of the Match display in only his third senior international appearance.
The teenager was joined among the starters by teammates Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis, who were both menacing up front, while midfielder Thalente Mbatha was a late introduction alongside Kamogelo Sebelebele. All had played a part in last Friday’s fixture played at the same venue, helping Bafana to a 3-0 win over neighbours Lesotho.
With four points earned over the last two fixtures, South Africa remain in pole position for a spot in the World Cup with six points separating them from the chasing pack. With international commitments done and dusted for the month, focus shifts back to domestic action with the players rejoining the rest of their teammates as Pirates turn attention to Saturday’s MTN8 final against Stellenbosch, which will be held in Mbombela
