Mofokeng and Selepe near return as Pirates target Golden Arrows

Orlando Pirates have delivered positive news from the medical bay, confirming that highly-rated midfield sensation Relebohile Mofokeng and young central midfielder Simphiwe Selepe are nearing a return to action.

The Buccaneers are quickly pivoting their focus to a crucial Betway Premiership tie against the in-form Golden Arrows after earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw against rivals Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend. With Pirates eager to collect maximum points and keep their title ambitions alive under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, the potential return of two key central figures provides a massive lift.

Arrows will host Pirates at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Durban on Wednesday night with kickoff set for 19:30 (SA time).

Pirates Star Mofokeng: Back From the Sidelines

Mofokeng, the club’s electrifying attacker, has been a notable absentee, having been sidelined due to injury since early October. His last appearance for the Soweto giants was in the 1-0 victory over Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16.

The injury not only kept him out of domestic action but also saw him miss the recent Bafana Bafana camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

Mofokeng has been a vital component of Ouaddou’s side, featuring in 12 matches across all competitions this season, a period during which Pirates secured the 2025 MTN8 title. His imminent availability will significantly strengthen the attacking options as the league intensifies.

Selepe Set for Debut Season Appearance

Meanwhile, young central midfielder Simphiwe Selepe is also close to rejoining the matchday squad. Selepe is yet to feature for the Sea Robbers in the current 2025/26 season, despite gaining promotion to the senior team and earning a Bafana call-up in June following his impressive performances last season.

Selepe previously filled a crucial deep-lying midfield role for Pirates after the injury to Makhehlene Makhaula, earning high praise for his maturity and performances.

With the trip to Durban, Pirates officially confirmed the status of the two stars in a club statement:

“There could be a reshuffling of the pack in a match that kicks off a busy week, with the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng and Simphiwe Selepe nearing a return after missing out on a fair bit of the action this season.”

The statement underscored the team’s momentum: “The Buccaneers will be determined to continue their solid run in the league where they have now clinched points in each of their last seven matches.”

The timely return of Mofokeng and Selepe gives Ouaddou crucial depth and tactical flexibility as Pirates look to translate their strong league form into an outright challenge for the top spot.

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