Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has provided a positive update on injured players in his camp, but the duo are unlikely to play this season.
With seven games left now to the end of the season, both Tapelo Xoki and Sihle Nduli remain sidelined by injuries sustained earlier this season.
Nduli has been out of action since November 2025 after suffering a serious foot injury during a Betway Premiership clash against Golden Arrows.
Xoki, meanwhile, has been sidelined even longer. The 31-year-old last featured in May 2025.
He had just recovered from an injury when he was involved in a horrific accident alongside Ouaddou, goalkeeper coach Tyron Damons.
They had stepped out of the team bus to assist in an accident when another car rammed into them.
Despite the setbacks, Ouaddou says both players are making encouraging progress.
“They are doing well. Nduli is in rehabilitation now,” said Ouaddou this week.
“It’s very important to stay close to these kind of players. Not only him, Tapelo as well… they are doing well, both of them.”
The coach added that both players have started returning to light work on the pitch, but cautioned against rushing their comeback.
“They are on track, but I cannot tell you that maybe we have a chance to see them before the end of the season.
“The most important is to make a very good rehabilitation in order to come back stronger,” added the Moroccan coach.