As the FIFA World Cup 2026 progresses, the spotlight at Bafana Bafana has not fallen on every star from South Africa’s top clubs. Orlando Pirates have eight players in the squad, and while six have already featured, goalkeeper Sipho Chaine and attacker Tshepang Moremi remain on the bench. Chaine’s situation is straightforward: captain Ronwen Williams has started both Group A matches against Mexico and the Czech Republic, and only an injury to the skipper would open the door for the Pirates shot-stopper. Moremi, however, carries a sliver of hope. His pace and direct running could tempt coach Hugo Broos into using him as an impact substitute against South Korea in the final group stage fixture, though a place in the matchday plans is far from assured.
Kaizer Chiefs have just one representative in the squad, defender Bradley Cross, and he too has yet to see a single minute of action. Broos appears settled on his backline of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Khuliso Mudau, and Aubrey Modiba, with Orlando Pirates’ Nkosinathi Sibisi next in line after starting the opener against Mexico. Barring injuries, Cross seems destined to remain an observer. Yet football is unpredictable, and a sudden twist could rewrite his tournament story.
The untested trio—Chaine, Moremi, and Cross—face long odds, but the group stage finale against South Korea offers one last chance for breakthrough. Whether Broos rotates his squad or