Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou have provided critical squad updates ahead of the high-stakes Soweto Derby this Saturday.
The much-awaited mouthwatering Betway Premiership showdown is set to kick off at 15:30, at the FNB Stadium. This encounter carries significant weight for the title race.
Pirates currently sit joint-top of the log with 38 points, level with the Betway Premiership defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs occupy fourth place with 30 points, trailing the leaders by eight but holding a game in hand.
ORLANDO PIRATES WELCOME BACK EVIDENCE MAKGOPA AND THALENTE MBATHA
The Buccaneers received a major boost with the return of two influential figures to the training ground in the name of Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha.
Makgopa, after a nearly two-week layoff, the striker has rejoined full training. Coach Ouaddou expressed his delight, noting that Makgopa is “doing very well” as he prepares for the weekend.
Meanwhile, addressing recent speculation regarding Mbatha’s absence, Ouaddou confirmed that the midfielder was sidelined due to injury but has now successfully integrated back into the group.
“Evidence Makgopa has been out for nearly two weeks, but we are very happy, and the group is very happy to welcome him back to training, where he is doing very well,” said coach Ouaddou.
“One more player to add to our group is Thalente Mbatha, who has also joined the group because there were a lot of questions surrounding him. However, he was injured as well. I’m happy to have him back in the group.”
Both sides come into the derby match looking to bounce back from their recent setbacks. Pirates suffered a heartbreaking 5-4 penalty shootout exit against Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 last weekend.
Meanwhile, Amakhosi are also reeling after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC in their midweek Betway Premiership clash.
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