Orlando Pirates have received a boost during the FIFA international break, with several injured players making progress in their respective recoveries.
The Betway Premiership remains in recess for another week, allowing Pirates’ medical team to continue working with players sidelined by injury ahead of the domestic season’s resumption.
The prospect of facing Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of the MTN8 on October 10th is also looming.
Bafana Bafana internationals Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha have returned to full-team training after recovering from their respective injuries.
Mbatha had been sidelined with a knee injury since 10 August, while Makgopa had been receiving treatment for patellar tendinitis since 5 August.
Both players have also featured in friendly matches as they continue their efforts to regain full match fitness.
Meanwhile, Mohau Nkota and Andre de Jong are making progress in their rehabilitation programmes.
Nkota is recovering from a knee injury, while De Jong is being treated for a hamstring injury. Both players have now progressed to field-based rehabilitation.
Pirates have not provided a timeframe for either player’s return, although their move to on-field work represents another positive step in their recovery.
There has also been encouraging progress in Sihle Nduli’s long-term rehabilitation.
The 30-year-old has completed the latest stage of his programme and has started running on the field, with senior physiotherapist Kutlwano Molefe confirming that he is edging closer to a return to 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 said.
With the domestic season set to resume after the international break, Pirates will hope the returning players can provide a further boost as they continue their Betway Premiership campaign.
