Bafana Bafana: 2 Orlando Pirates Stars Doubtful for 2026 World Cup Due to Injury

• Bafana Bafana are set to be hit with a major blow ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico
• The South African men's national team could be without two Orlando Pirates players for the competition due to injury
• The update about the two South African internationals' injury concerns sparked mixed reactions from fans on social media

Orlando Pirates pair Tshepang Moremi and Masindi Nemtajela are facing a race against time to be fit for Bafana Bafana’s World Cup squad amid ongoing injury worries.

With national team boss Hugo Broos set to unveil his squad later this month, uncertainty remains over whether the Buccaneers duo will be available for selection.

Moremi has been a familiar figure in the Bafana setup over the past few years and also featured in the AFCON squad. The winger, however, has been sidelined since picking up an injury in last month’s clash against Kaizer Chiefs.

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Although the club has yet to confirm the seriousness of the injury, there is optimism that he could still return before the campaign concludes, as the Sea Robbers still have two fixtures left to play.

Pirates duo battling fitness concerns

Nemtajela, on the other hand, has struggled to cement a regular spot in the national side. The midfielder earned a call-up last year but did not make the final AFCON selection. Moremi was at the tournament in Morocco, scoring in one of the games in the group stage.

Even so, his strong performances this season have kept him firmly in the conversation as a potential squad option for Broos.

The 22-year-old suffered an injury during Orlando Pirates’ convincing 3-0 win over Magesi FC, further compounding the club’s injury problems ahead of the global tournament.

Should they recover in time, both players could be part of a sizeable Pirates representation in the South Africa national team squad for the World Cup.

Pirates stars expected to make Bafana squad

Players such as Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng and Thalente Mbatha are all tipped to earn places in the squad after enjoying standout campaigns this season.

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Among the injured pair, Moremi is believed to have the stronger chance of making the final squad, provided his setback is not long-term.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are edging closer to securing their first league crown in 14 years and could clinch the title this weekend when they face Durban City.

Here is what fans are saying on social media about the injury concerns for Moremi and Nemtajela ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Tumelo Maphanga said:

"Speedy recovery to the Boys 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️☠💀☠."

Maghazi Marule shared:

"Coach must not select either of them for Orlando Pirates now."

Mampa Mampa wrote:

"Speedy recovery, boys 🙏"

Bra Mox Moeketsi added:

"How is Broos worried? We've got Nkota, Elias Mokwana, and Mathews to replace him for the World Cup - we have a pool of talented players in that position! Dithejane, Shandre Campbell, and Maseko."

Pirates legend back Chiefs star for World Cup

Briefly News recently reported that an Orlando Pirates legend has thrown his support behind Kaizer Chiefs star, insisting he deserves a place in Bafana Bafana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou takes aim at critics with confident stance

The endorsement comes after a string of impressive performances from the player, which have earned widespread praise across South African football.

Source: Briefly News