Ex‑Mamelodi Sundowns star Esrom Nyandoro has identified two Orlando Pirates players he expects to step up their performance at the 2025 AFCON and potentially attract interest from other clubs.
Pirates have a strong presence in Bafana Bafana, with nine of their players earning spots in Hugo Broos’ final 25‑man squad for the tournament.
Their contingent includes Oswin Appollis, Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha and Sipho Mbule, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi and Evidence Makgopa.
Serial Betway Premiership winners, Mamelodi Sundowns, have five players in the squad. Siwelele FC, Polokwane City FC and TS Galaxy contributed one player each. In addition, eight of the other players are based outside SA.
NYANDORO TIPS APPOLLIS AND MBULE TO SHINE AT 2025 AFCON
However, Nyandoro, who featured for Zimbabwe at the 2004 and 2006 AFCONs, opines that Appollis and Mbule will be Bafana’s point of difference this time around. Bafana are placed in Group B alongside Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe.
In an interview with FARPost, Nyandoro said: “I think on the other side, Oswin Appollis has been doing very well, and Sipho Mbule is also excellent. I think he is one of the players I recommended to Sundowns at some point.
“So it’s just going to be very, very interesting to see them. Those two will make a huge impact at AFCON, but for me, Appollis has been doing very well for Pirates and also for the national team.
“I strongly believe they have the best spirit and character for such a tournament, and they are easy‑going. They will drive others to win.”
Nyandoro also highlighted the Zimbabwe players he expects to excel, even though the nation is seen as the underdogs in Group B.
“We are having fairly new players on our side, which says a lot to us. Everyone who is going to the Africa Cup of Nations wants to prove a point.
“Of course, you always have the likes of Munetsi, you always have the likes of Nakamba. For me, Nakamba is one of the best midfielders in Africa.
“Unfortunately, injuries have been on his case. But when fully fit, you know that he is going to drive that midfield. So you always have Marshall Munetsi, Nakamba”
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