Orlando Pirates are making the most of the FIFA international break, with several injured players making significant progress in their recovery.

The Premier Soccer League remains on hold for another week, giving the Buccaneers’ medical team valuable time to work with players on the sidelines.

The biggest boost comes from Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha, who have returned to full-team training after recovering from their respective injuries.

Mbatha had been sidelined with a knee injury since 10 August, while Makgopa has been recovering from patellar tendinitis since 5 August.

Both players have also featured in friendly matches during the FIFA break as they work towards regaining full match fitness.

There is further positive news regarding Mohau Nkota and Andre de Jong.

The pair have progressed to field-based rehabilitation as they continue their recovery from knee and hamstring injuries respectively. No return date has yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Sihle Nduli has also taken another important step in his long-term recovery.

The 30-year-old has completed the latest stage of his rehabilitation and has started running on the field.

Pirates senior physiotherapist Kutlwano Molefe explained: “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.”

With domestic football set to resume after the international break, Pirates will hope their growing list of recovering players can provide a major boost to Abdeslam Ouaddou’s squad.

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