Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has played down injury concerns regarding Mohau Nkota, Thalente Mbatha, and Evidence Makgopa ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers are gearing up for a high-stakes final against their rivals Sundowns, with the blockbuster encounter scheduled for the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 10 October.
Pirates square off against Sundowns in Durban, seeking to make history by securing their fifth consecutive MTN8 crown, having claimed the trophy in each of the past four seasons.
On their path to the 2026 final, Pirates comfortably swept aside Durban City FC in the quarter-finals before overcoming Sekhukhune United over a two-legged semi-final tie to seal their ticket to the showpiece.
Meanwhile, Sundowns defeated Polokwane City FC in the opening round before edging Golden Arrows in a tightly contested semi-final to set up a heavyweight clash with the defending champions.
As the countdown to the Durban showdown continues, both technical teams will be desperate to have their full complement of star players available for selection.
Speaking to journalists during Pirates’ media open day on Monday morning at Rand Stadium, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou remained guarded when asked about the fitness status of Nkota, Mbatha, and Makgopa.
ABDESLAM OUADDOU ADDRESSES PIRATES INJURY CONCERNS AHEAD OF SUNDOWNS CLASH
Nkota arrived at Pirates on loan in September 2026 during the early stages of the 2026/27 campaign while still recovering from an injury sustained during his spell at Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq.
Meanwhile, both Makgopa and Mbatha have been sidelined for much of the opening month of the season due to their respective physical setbacks.
“Look, what I can tell you is that they are in good shape, they are coming, and we are doing everything with the medical department and the performance department for them to be available for the next games,” Ouaddou told reporters.
“For now, I cannot tell you more about these players, but it’s very good news for us to see them on the field training with us. I cannot go further [about their availability on Saturday]; maybe you’ll see them in the next games.”
Pirates have also been finalising their match preparation without a core group of key senior figures currently away on international duty, including Sipho Chaine, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Yanela Mbuthuma, and Lebone Seema with Bafana Bafana.
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