Orlando Pirates injury update as Makgopa and Mbatha return to training

Orlando Pirates have welcomed back strikers Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha to full training, with midfielder Sihle Nduli also stepping up his rehabilitation ahead of the league's resumption.

Orlando Pirates have received a major squad boost with two Bafana Bafana internationals returning to full training ahead of the Betway Premiership's restart. Strikers Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha are back with the group after recovering from injuries that have kept them out since early August.

Makgopa, who has been receiving treatment for patellar tendinitis since 5 August, and Mbatha, sidelined with a knee problem since 10 August, have both featured in recent friendly matches to build match fitness. Their return provides a timely lift for a side sitting second in the Premier Soccer League with 19 points from seven games. The team has scored 16 goals while conceding only one, and their next league fixture is at home to TS Galaxy on 18 October.

Rehabilitation progress

Further positive news comes from the rehabilitation group, where midfielder Sihle Nduli has begun running on the field. Senior physiotherapist Kutlwano Molefe confirmed the 30-year-old's progress. "Nduli will spend roughly two weeks in field-based rehabilitation before beginning the gradual process of reintegrating into full training with the squad," Molefe said. Nduli, who suffered a ligament tear last season, faces the longest recovery road among the club's five injured players.

Midfielder Andre de Jong and winger Mohau Nkota have also progressed to field-based work. De Jong is managing a hamstring issue, while Nkota is recovering from a knee injury. The club has not provided a specific timeframe for their returns, but their progress is monitored closely by the medical team. The other players in the rehabilitation group are continuing with their respective gym-based programmes.

Squad implications

The returning players bolster a squad in formidable form, having won four and drawn one of their last five league matches. With 16 goals scored and just one conceded this season, the Buccaneers are only a point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. The depth provided by Makgopa and Mbatha is particularly valuable with a high-profile fixture against Sundowns looming in the MTN8 final on 10 October.

Orlando Pirates' next assignment is a home league match against TS Galaxy on 18 October. The team will look to maintain their perfect start and extend a three-game winning run, with their latest victory a 2-0 away win over Marumo Gallants. The club's medical department reports that the players are working towards specific goal minutes in upcoming friendly matches as part of their reintegration. Check the latest standings to follow the title race.