Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has delivered a crucial double injury boost ahead of Saturday’s sold-out Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, confirming the return of two key stars.
The much-awaited mouthwatering Betway Premiership showdown is set to kick off at 15:30 [CAT] 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. The Brazilians occupy the top spot on superior goal difference, while Pirates sit second.
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs occupy fourth place with 30 points. Although they trail the leaders by eight, Amakhosi hold a crucial game in hand that could prove vital in the closing stages of the title race.
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 Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha.
Makgopa is back in the mix after a two-week injury layoff. Ouaddou confirmed the forward has rejoined full training and is ‘doing very well’ ahead of the Soweto Derby.
The Bucs mentor also cleared the air regarding Thalente Mbatha, revealing that while injury kept him out of recent action, the midfielder is now back training with the first team.
“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 at the Soweto Derby press conference in Nasrec on Thursday.
“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.”
The two giants of SA footbal – Chiefs and Pirates head 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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