Orlando Pirates receive selection boost before MTN8 final against Sundowns

Orlando Pirates have been handed a potential boost before Saturday’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns, with several players included in the squad that travelled to Durban on Thursday.

The Buccaneers will meet Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00. Orlando Pirates are aiming to retain the MTN8 trophy in what will be another meeting with their title rivals.

Mohau Nkota, Evidence Makgopa, Thalente Mbatha, Makhehleni Makhaula and Masindi Nemtajela were among the players who made the trip, offering coach Abdeslam Ouaddou more options as he prepares for the final.

Their presence follows progress in the recovery programmes of several players who had been dealing with injury concerns.

Makgopa and Makhaula are yet to feature for Orlando Pirates this season and have been waiting for an opportunity to make their first appearances.

Nkota, meanwhile, has been working his way back into contention after returning from a loan spell with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.

Nemtajela has already returned to competitive action. He made a brief appearance in Orlando Pirates’ league match against Marumo Gallants before the FIFA break.

Final selection still to be made

The travelling group’s inclusion is encouraging for Ouaddou as he considers his options for Saturday’s match, although being part of the squad does not guarantee that any of the players will feature in the final.

The Orlando Pirates technical team must still finalise the matchday selection before the two sides compete for the MTN8 trophy.

The Buccaneers will hope as many players as possible are available for the encounter as they seek to defend their crown against Mamelodi Sundowns.