Latest news with #Selepe


The South African
7 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Broos explains why he likes Orlando Pirates star Selepe so much
Hugo Broos has provided some enlightening reasons as to why he picked Orlando Pirates youngster Simphiwe Selepe in his Bafana squad. 'I've always said age doesn't matter,' said Broos while discussing 20-year-old Orlando Pirates star Simphiwe Selepe on SABC TV . 'Quality, talent and when I see the last three, four games that Selepe played, I have to give him a chance. Again, maybe it will be too soon, but we can only see when we put him in the team and when he's playing a game. 'So again, the opportunity is very good to do it, and the age, okay, what's the problem with the age? He has the talent, it's up to him. 'What I like about Selepe, first of all, he is a good midfielder and he is good at passing. He scored a goal, so he's not only defensive, but he can also help the team offensively, and he's young.' Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix Bafana boss Hugo Broos has again excluded Orlando Pirates duo Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa from his squad. The pair made a preliminary group of 42 but haven't made the final 23. Instead, Broos has opted for an array of wide attackers and a solitary central striker, Richards Bay man Yanela Mbuthuma. Couldn't South Africa have benefited from having another traditional number 9 in this 23-man group? It begs the question: Does Broos have a vendetta against Mabasa Makgopa? The latter was a key component for Bafana at AFCON 2023, while Mabasa won the PSL Golden Boot in the 2023-2024 season. Pirates' best player is returning What are your early thoughts on Selepe? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Pirates looking to end season on high with victory over Magesi
Selepe has admitted that Pirates were lucky to walk away with a point against AmaZulu. Orlando Pirates will have one final chance to end their 2024/25 season on a high note when they face Magesi FC in a Betway Premiership match at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday (kick-off is at 7.30pm). Victory for the second-placed Buccaneers will increase their point tally to 63 points, which is better than last season, when they collected 50 points in 30 games. ALSO READ: Former Bafana striker set for Pirates exit Even though they once again failed to topple Mamelodi Sundowns, it is a big improvement from last season, considering that the games were reduced to 28 matches this campaign after the termination of Royal AM's membership by the League. Pirates will, however, need a better performance if they are to beat Dikwena tsa Meetse following their below-par performance against AmaZulu in the previous league encounter last Saturday. Siphiwe Selepe, who scored the equalizer for the Buccaneers in the 1-1 draw against Usuthu, has admitted they were lucky to walk away with a point against Arthur Zwane's side. 'I think in the first half we created chances, but we couldn't convert,' Selepe told Pirates media. 'It was a bit scrappy because they were a bit more in control of the ball. We were playing off second balls, which is something we are not used to. We had to fix things in the second half and adjust so that we could become better. 'I'm happy to have helped the team so that we could get back into the game, even though we didn't win, because we wanted a better result. 'I also think that there's plenty that we need to fix for the upcoming game,' he added. 'There is a lot of improvement at Pirates' Meanwhile, Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi is delighted that they managed to achieve some of the targets they set for themselves this season, even though they failed to win the league title. 'It's for the first time this side finds themselves where they are, and I am certain we have created a good foundation for a good start next season. The club has met most of its targets at the beginning of the season, but it is not perfect. ALSO READ: Ncikazi says Pirates youngsters 'not at fault' for club failures 'We didn't meet all of them. But for me, from where we were last season to where we are now, there is a lot of improvement,' concluded Ncikazi.


The South African
30-04-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates: New stars spotted training ahead of Chiefs clash
Orlando Pirates have a new face in training, just days out from the Soweto derby. Orlando Pirates have been spotted with three new players in training. So, where are these players from? Not one, not two but three new players are currently training with the Pirates. 'Orlando Pirates have three reserve team players, Simphiwe Selepe, Cemran Dansin and 17-year-old Sibusiso Tau, training with the first team, ' the report read on Goal. Dansin is the caption of the Bucs DDC side. Furthermore, Selepe and Tau are both Pirates DDC stars too. As things stand, Tau has reportedly signed a first team contract with Pirates. Meanwhile, Selepe and Dansin both have a chance to impress Bucs management during training. However, neither player is likely to feature for the Pirates senior team this season. Meaning, this training sessions are to provide these starlets with some exposure to first team practice sessions. ORLANDO PIRATES: FINAL SOWETO DERBY FOR THESE BUCS LEGENDS Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro will be leaving at the end of the season. Moreover, Bucs captain Innocent Maela contract will expire at the end of the season. Meaning, Pirates will have a new coach next season. Furthermore, there is a high chance that the new coach will need to appoint a new captain soon. That is why Bucs management are focused on giving youngsters opportunities. Relobohile Mofokeng, and Mohau Nkota are both key members of the current Pirates side. Both men are Bucs DDC graduates. Therefore, it is clear that Pirates have tremendous quality coming through the ranks. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.