Pirates environment key to Bafana selections, says Ouaddou

ORLANDO Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has hailed the inclusion of his players in the latest Bafana Bafana squad, describing it as a moment of pride for the entire club.

- SMISO MSOMI

Nine Buccaneers were named in Hugo Broos’ 23-man selection to face Zambia in a Fifa international friendly at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Ggeberha on Saturday. The clash will serve as preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in late December, and for Ouaddou it is further validation of the progress being made at the club.

The Pirates contingent includes Sipho Chaine, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Masindi Nemtajela, Thalente Mbatha, Sipho Mbule, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis, and Tshepang Moremi — a group that has formed the spine of the team’s domestic and continental performances this season.

“First of all, I'd like to congratulate them because when you're a part of the national team, you have to be proud,” said Ouaddou. “It means that you have been selected among the best in your country. It shows as well that our club is working well.”