Pirates Provide Encouraging Injury Update

Orlando Pirates have provided an encouraging injury update as the club prepares for the return of the domestic season following the ongoing FIFA international break.

The PSL remains in recess for two more weeks, allowing Pirates’ medical department to continue working with the club’s injured players as they step up their respective rehabilitation programmes.

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Bafana Internationals Back in the Fold

The Buccaneers have confirmed that Bafana Bafana internationals Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha have both returned to full-team training after missing the opening stages of the 2026/27 campaign — a major boost for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou as he prepares for a crucial period in the season.

Mbatha has been sidelined with a knee injury since August 10, 2026, while Makgopa has been receiving treatment for patellar tendinitis since August 5. Both players have also featured in friendly matches as they continue working towards regaining full match fitness.

“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. 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,” Bucs said.  

Nkota and De Jong Making Progress

There is also progress for Mohau Nkota and Andre de Jong, although neither player has been given a timeframe for a return to competitive action.

"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. 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," the club said.

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Encouraging News on Nduli

Meanwhile, Pirates have provided a positive update on Sihle Nduli, who has been working through a long-term rehabilitation programme. The 30-year-old has completed the latest stage of his recovery and has begun running on the field.

Senior physiotherapist Kutlwano Molefe explained that Nduli is expected to spend approximately two weeks undergoing field-based rehabilitation before beginning his reintegration 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," Molefe confirmed.

MTN8 Final Looms Large

With the league set to resume after the international break, Pirates will be encouraged by the progress made by several members of their squad as they prepare for the next phase of the season — including the eagerly awaited MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns on October 10, where having a near-full-strength squad could prove decisive.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix  

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Betway Premiership Evidence Makgopa Orlando Pirates Thalente Mbatha