Makgopa And Mbatha Return Ahead Of MTN8 Final vs Sundowns
Orlando Pirates have provided an injury update on several players as the Premier Soccer League remains on hold for another week during the ongoing FIFA international break.
The Buccaneers have used the break productively, with the club’s medical team continuing to work with injured players as they progress through their respective rehabilitation programmes ahead of the return of domestic football.
There is encouraging news regarding Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha, who have both returned to full-team training after recovering from their respective injuries.
Mbatha has been sidelined with a knee injury since 10 August 2026, while Makgopa has been receiving treatment for patellar tendinitis since 5 August 2026.
Mbatha has already featured in two matches for Pirates this season. He played the full 90 minutes in the Betway Premiership against Milford before completing 120 minutes in the MTN8 quarter-final against Durban City.
Meanwhile, Mohau Nkota and Andre de Jong continue to make progress in their rehabilitation programmes.
Nkota is recovering from a knee injury, while De Jong is undergoing treatment for a hamstring injury. Both players have now progressed to field-based rehabilitation, although Pirates have not provided a timeframe for their return to full-team training or competitive action.
Nkota joined Pirates on loan from Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq while recovering from his injury. As a result, he missed the start of the 2026/27 season and was also ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
De Jong has also yet to feature this season because of his injury. The midfielder has not made a matchday squad for Pirates this campaign.
There has also been encouraging progress in Sihle Nduli’s recovery. The midfielder has completed the latest stage of his rehabilitation programme and has started running on the field.
The 30-year-old missed the second half of the 2025/26 season through injury. He returned at the beginning of the new campaign and featured in Pirates’ opening league match before being included in the matchday squad for their second league fixture against AmaZulu on 12 August.
Nduli started the match against Usuthu but played only 55 minutes before suffering another injury following a challenge with Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, who is currently the leading goalscorer in the Betway Premiership.
Pirates senior physiotherapist Kutlwano Molefe provided an update on Nduli’s latest stage of recovery.
“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 FIFA international break providing valuable time for rehabilitation, Pirates will be hoping their injured players continue to make progress as they prepare to return to competitive action.
The Buccaneers will return to the field after the international break when they face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final on 10 October, with both sides set to battle for the first major trophy of the 2026/27 season.
