Injury blow puts Orlando Pirates stars’ World Cup dreams in doubt
Soccer Bullet | 13.05.2026 15:49
With national team coach Hugo Broos expected to announce his squad at the end of the month, there are growing doubts over whether the two Buccaneers stars will recover in time for selection.
Moremi has been a regular member of the Bafana setup in recent years and was part of the squad at the AFCON tournament. However, the winger has not featured since suffering an injury against Kaizer Chiefs last month.
While the full extent of his injury has not yet been revealed, there is still hope he could return before the end of the season, with Pirates having two matches remaining.
Nemtajela, meanwhile, has not been a regular in the national team. The midfielder received a call-up last year but failed to make the final AFCON squad.
Despite that setback, his impressive form this season has kept him in contention as a possible backup option for Broos.
The 22-year-old picked up an injury during Pirates’ 3-0 victory over Magesi FC, adding to the club’s growing injury concerns ahead of the international tournament.
If fit, both players could join a strong Pirates contingent expected to represent South Africa national soccer team at the World Cup.
The likes of Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng and Thalente Mbatha are all widely expected to make the squad after producing consistently strong performances throughout the season.
Of the two injured Pirates players, Moremi appears more likely to secure a place in the final World Cup squad, provided his injury is not serious.
The Buccaneers are on the verge of winning their first league title in 14 years and could do so this weekend against Durban City.
