Orlando Pirates Receive Double Boost As Injured Duo Return Ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns Clash

• Orlando Pirates confirmed that two Bafana Bafana internationals have returned to full training ahead of a high-profile fixture
• Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha have been sidelined for weeks, but both recently featured in friendly matches
• One Orlando Pirates midfielder still faces the longest road to recovery among the club's five injured players

Orlando Pirates have received an encouraging injury update, with Bafana Bafana internationals Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha both back in full training as the club prepares to face Mamelodi Sundowns.

The club released the update on Monday, confirming the return of the experienced pair, who had each been sidelined for separate injury complaints. Makgopa, who was ruled out on 5 August 2026 with patellar tendinitis, and Mbatha, who has been absent since suffering a knee injury on 10 August, have both progressed through their rehabilitation and rejoined the group.

**Makgopa and Mbatha Build Match Fitness**

To accelerate their return to competitive form, both players have already participated in recent friendly matches. Their involvement in those fixtures is intended to sharpen their match sharpness before they are considered for selection in official competitions.

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Progress has also been recorded in the recoveries of Andre de Jong and Mohau Nkota. Nkota returned to the club while nursing a knee problem, while De Jong has been managing a hamstring issue. Both players have now moved into field-based rehabilitation, marking a meaningful step forward, though the club has not indicated when either is expected to be available for competitive selection.

**Nduli Faces Longest Return in Pirates Squad**

Among the five players on the injury list, midfielder Sihle Nduli faces the most drawn-out recovery. Nduli sustained a ligament injury during the previous season and has only recently completed the latest phase of his rehabilitation programme.

Senior physiotherapist Kutlwano Molefe indicated that Nduli will spend roughly two weeks in field-based rehabilitation before beginning the gradual process of reintegrating into full training with the squad.

With Makgopa and Mbatha available and others edging closer to fitness, Pirates head into their fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns with a fuller squad than they had in recent weeks.

Source: Briefly News