Pirates' star performers led the charge to punch Bafana's 2026 World Cup ticket

ON a night of dazzling football and jubilation on Tuesday, the Orlando Pirates players underscored their impact on the South African national team as Bafana Bafana made a sensational return to the Fifa World Cup.

- HERMAN GIBBS

After a near-disastrous goalless draw against Zimbabwe in Durban last weekend, Bafana's World Cup hopes were hanging by a thread, and the results on matchdays 9 and 10 made for a nail-biting finish in Group C.

Tuesday's qualifier at the Mbombela Stadium saw Bafana triumph over Rwanda with an emphatic 3-0 victory, cementing their place in the upcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup. It marked a historic return for the nation, which last played the tournament 15 years ago (2010).

As anxiety mounted in Mbombela, the performances from the Orlando Pirates players became pivotal. Midfielder Thalente Mbatha, returning to the starting lineup after missing the previous qualifier against Zimbabwe, struck first with an unstoppable shot from outside the box, beautifully assisted by teammate Oswin Appollis.

The scoreboard reflected the home side's dominance as Appollis turned scorer himself, volleying in a sensational goal just 26 minutes into the match, solidifying a comfortable lead himself also assisted by club teammate Evidence Makgopa.

But the Buccaneers weren't done shining yet. Appollis capped off a remarkable night, providing a precise assist to Makgopa, who sealed the 3-0 victory with a close-range header.