Orlando Pirates receive injury boost ahead of MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns

Orlando Pirates have welcomed the return of Bafana Bafana internationals Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha to full-team training as they prepare for the return of domestic football.

The PSL remains on hold for another two weeks during the ongoing FIFA international break, giving Pirates’ medical staff additional time to support their injured players through their rehabilitation programmes.

Mbatha has been out since 10 August 2026 with a knee injury, while Makgopa has been receiving treatment for patellar tendinitis since 5 August. Both players have also taken part in friendly matches as they work towards restoring their full match fitness.

Their return to group training provides a boost for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou before an important period in the campaign, which includes the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns on 10 October.

Nkota and De Jong step up recovery

Pirates also confirmed that Mohau Nkota and Andre de Jong have advanced to field-based rehabilitation, although the club has not set a date for either player’s return to competitive action.

Nkota is recovering from a knee injury, while De Jong is being treated for a hamstring problem.

“Mohau Nkota and Andre de Jong are continuing to make progress in their respective rehabilitation programmes. Nkota is recovering from a knee injury, while De Jong is undergoing treatment for a hamstring injury,” the club said.

“Both players have progressed to field-based rehabilitation. Although no timeframe has been confirmed for their return, the move to on-field rehabilitation represents a positive step in their recovery.”

Nduli begins running

There has also been encouraging progress in Sihle Nduli’s recovery from a long-term injury.

The 30-year-old has completed the latest stage of his rehabilitation programme and has started running on the field. Pirates senior physiotherapist Kutlwano Molefe said Nduli is expected to spend about two weeks completing field-based work before he starts the process of returning to 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,” Molefe confirmed.

Pirates will be encouraged by the progress of several players while the domestic season remains suspended. The club now has time to continue monitoring their recoveries before the league resumes and preparations intensify for the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns.