Tshepang Moremi is steadily proving his worth at Orlando Pirates, and his recent displays are boosting his chances of breaking into Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
From Slow Start to Match-Winner
When Moremi joined Pirates, expectations were sky-high after his consistent showings at AmaZulu and early national team recognition. However, his start at Mayfair was underwhelming. Despite his pace and natural eye for goal, he struggled with composure and missed crucial chances, leading to frustration among the demanding Pirates faithful.
Yet, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his technical team never lost faith. They shielded him from outside criticism, gave him time, and he has repaid their trust with big-game performances in recent weeks.
Delivering on the Big Stage
Moremi announced himself in emphatic style during the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC, where he came off the bench to score twice and assist another in a 3-0 extra-time triumph. The silverware was especially meaningful for the Sharpeville-born attacker, marking his first trophy in nearly six years as a professional.
His purple patch continued in the CAF Champions League preliminaries, where he netted another brace in Pirates’ 4-0 demolition of Lioli. That performance helped secure a commanding 7-0 aggregate victory for the Buccaneers.
Rising Competition at Orlando Pirates
Competition for attacking spots remains fierce at Pirates, with newcomers like Oswin Appollis also staking strong claims. Ouaddou, however, has made it clear that rotation will be key as the Soweto giants juggle both domestic and continental commitments. Moremi’s consistency will therefore be vital if he is to stay ahead in the pecking order.
Broos Takes Notice
Moremi’s form has not gone unnoticed by national selectors. Hugo Broos recently named a 45-man preliminary squad for Bafana Bafana’s must-win qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Nigeria with no fewer than 11 Pirates players making the cut, the highest from any club. Among them was the 24-year-old Moremi, who already has one senior cap from a friendly against Tanzania.
With South Africa leading Group C but facing uncertainty due to FIFA’s review of an ineligible player case, Broos is expected to call on only his most reliable performers for the final stretch. That gives Moremi a genuine shot at a recall provided he delivers in the upcoming league clash against TS Galaxy and the Carling Knockout tie against Siwelele.
Eyes on the Prize
For Moremi, the task is clear: continue his blistering form and make himself impossible to ignore. With the World Cup dream on the line and Bafana’s qualification hopes delicately poised, the coming weeks could define the next chapter of his career.
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