Pirates get major injury boost ahead of MTN8 final
Orlando Pirates have received a timely boost ahead of Saturday’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns, with a number of injured players back in training.
The Buccaneers have been forced to cope without several important players in recent weeks, including Evidence Makgopa, Thalente Mbatha, Mohau Nkota, Makhehleni Makhaula, Kabelo Dlamini and Andre De Jong.
However, all six have now returned to training as coach Abdeslam Ouaddou prepares his team for the highly anticipated clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Their return will certainly please the Pirates camp, although Ouaddou has stopped short of confirming that any of them will be fit enough to make the squad for Saturday’s final.
The French-Moroccan coach says the club’s medical and performance teams are working hard to get the players back as soon as possible.
“What I can tell you is that they are in good shape and they are coming back,” Ouaddou said oi Monday’s media conference.
“We are doing everything, and the medical department and performance department are doing everything for them to be available for the next games.”
Ouaddou remained cautious when asked about their chances of featuring against Sundowns.
“I cannot say for sure for the next game. Maybe you will see them in the next couple of games.”
Pirates will therefore have to wait until closer to the final before knowing whether any of their returning stars will be available.
