Orlando Pirates have received a significant boost ahead of the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns with the recovery of key players Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa. The duo has returned to full-team training following their respective injury recoveries, providing welcome news for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Their availability will add more options for Ouaddou against Sundowns in the highly anticipated final on October 10 in Durban.
Mbatha and Makgopa have been sidelined since early August due to a knee injury and patellar tendinitis, respectively. Their absence was notable, as they were not considered for Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea. In Mbatha’s absence, Ouaddou has had to rely on alternatives such as Simphiwe Selepe, Thapelo Mokobodi, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, and Camren Dansin.
Makgopa's unavailability saw increased opportunities for Yanela Mbuthuma and Boitumelo Radiopane. The return of these key players will undoubtedly strengthen the Pirates squad, providing Ouaddou with more tactical options and depth. The coach will be eager to integrate Mbatha and Makgopa back into the team ahead of the crucial final against Sundowns.
While Mbatha and Makgopa's return is a significant boost, the Pirates medical team also reported progress in the rehabilitation programs of attackers Mohau Nkota and Andre de Jong. Nkota, on loan from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, is recovering from a knee injury, while De Jong is undergoing treatment for a hamstring injury. Both players have progressed to field-based rehabilitation.
However, defensive midfielder Sihle Nduli is still some way from full recovery. According to Pirates senior physiotherapist Kutlwano Molefe, Nduli 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. This timeline suggests that Nduli may not be ready for the MTN8 final.
The MTN8 final against Sundowns promises to be a highly competitive match, with both teams eager to claim the title. The return of Mbatha and Makgopa will undoubtedly enhance the Pirates' chances, but Ouaddou will need to carefully manage the team's dynamics and player fitness ahead of the big game. The coach will be looking to strike the right balance between experience and form.
The final will take place on October 10 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. With Mbatha and Makgopa back in training, Ouaddou will be eager to finalize his team selection and strategy. The coach's task will be to make the most of his squad's strengths while minimizing the impact of any lingering injuries.
Key points
- Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa have returned to full-team training.
- The MTN8 final against Sundowns will take place on October 10 in Durban.
- Sihle Nduli is still recovering and may not be ready for the MTN8 final.
