Orlando Pirates have six injured players back in training ahead of Saturday’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns, but coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is giving little away about who will be fit to play, reports iDiskiTimes.
Evidence Makgopa, Thalente Mbatha, Mohau Nkota, Makhaleni Makhaula, Kabelo Dlamini and Andre De Jong have all missed games recently, and all are now back in training. Whether any will be ready for Durban is still unclear.
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“They are in good shape, they are coming back,” Ouaddou said. “We are doing everything and the medical department, performance department are doing everything for them to be available for the next games.”
He was reluctant to say more. “For now, I cannot tell you more about these players. It’s very good news for us to see them on the field and to train with us.”
The longer-term absentee is midfielder Sihle Nduli, who tore ankle ligaments (grade three) after a tackle from AmaZulu’s Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya and was initially ruled out for four months. The 30-year-old is back on the training pitch a little over a month later, doing light running in an open session.
“Sihle, we’re happy to see him back on the pitch, in the process of rehab, soon you will be able to see him,” Ouaddou said. “He needs a couple of weeks but the good news is step by step he is coming back to the pitch.”
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Pirates are chasing a fifth consecutive MTN8 title, with kick-off at Moses Mabhida Stadium at 18:00. Sundowns are sweating over the fitness of Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
