AFCON Break Sparks PSL Transfer and Injury Drama

The domestic DStv Premiership season has entered its six-week AFCON recess, bringing with it transfer speculation and the impact of international call-ups on the league’s top clubs.

Bafana’s Latest Injury Scare: 

The most pressing issue involves the national team, which is set to depart for Morocco for the AFCON tournament.

In Bafana Bafana’s final warm-up match, a friendly against Ghana, Orlando Pirates star Oswin Appollis sustained a kick to the leg. While the Buccaneers’ Sipho Mbule scored the only goal in the 1-0 win, Appollis was seen limping after the match, casting a shadow over his immediate availability for the tournament opener on Sunday. 

The injury concern is compounded by the fact that Kaizer Chiefs’ attacker Mduduzi Shabalala is currently only on the Bafana standby list and awaits a final call-up should any player drop out.

Pirates’ Transfer Tussle: 

This drama centres on Orlando Pirates and their significant representation in the national squad. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is already dealing with the confirmed future departure of defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi (joining Chicago Fire after AFCON).

Adding to the turmoil, former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Sandile Ndlovu slammed the Bafana squad, which is heavily dominated by Pirates players, calling it “unbalanced” and a “disgrace” for lacking sufficient cover in the forward positions, a statement Ouaddou is likely to reject after his side’s strong start to the season.

Chiefs’ Future Under Scrutiny: 

At Naturena, the focus remains on the co-coaching team of Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze. Despite criticism from club legends about their tactics, former Chiefs player Thabo Mooki urged patience, believing the Amakhosi junior management knows what it is doing. 

Furthermore, the club is fighting off interest in their academy talent, as Golden Arrows have confirmed their interest in promising Chiefs star Naledi Hlongwane, viewing him as a potential standout inspired by Pirates’ young star Relebohile Mofokeng.

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