Orlando Pirates issue positive injury update on five players

Orlando Pirates have confirmed that Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha have returned to full-team training after recovering from injuries that kept them out at the start of the 2026/27 season.

The reigning Betway Premiership champions issued a medical update on five players who have spent recent weeks sidelined, with Mohau Nkota, Andre de Jong and Sihle Nduli also making progress in their rehabilitation programmes.

Makgopa has been receiving treatment for patellar tendinitis since 5 August 2026, while Mbatha has been unavailable with a knee injury since 10 August 2026.

Both players, who are Bafana Bafana internationals, have already taken part in friendly matches as they continue their preparations to regain full match fitness.

“After missing the opening stages of the 2026/27 season, Bafana Bafana internationals Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha have returned to full-team training following their recovery from their respective injuries,” Orlando Pirates said.

Nkota and De Jong remain in rehabilitation, although both have now reached the field-based stage of their recovery.

Nkota is recovering from a knee injury, while De Jong is being treated for a hamstring problem. The club has not provided a confirmed date for either player’s return to competitive action.

“Although no timeframe has been confirmed for their return, the move to on-field rehabilitation represents a positive step in their recovery,” the club said.

There was also an encouraging update on Nduli, who has completed the latest phase of his rehabilitation programme and has started running on the field.

The 30-year-old is expected to spend approximately two weeks undergoing field-based rehabilitation before he begins the process of reintegrating into full-team training.

“Sihle has started running on the field and is scheduled to undergo field-based rehabilitation for approximately two weeks before beginning his reintegration into full-team training,” Orlando Pirates added.

The update means Makgopa and Mbatha are the only two of the five players currently back with the main squad, while Nkota, De Jong and Nduli continue to work towards a return.