By The Premier Soccer League (PSL) may currently be on a temporary pause due to the ongoing FIFA international break, but there is no shortage of activity behind the scenes at Orlando Pirates.
While the domestic calendar remains in recess for another week, the Buccaneers have received a massive psychological and tactical lift, with several key names stepping up their recoveries and returning to the training pitch.
The club’s medical department has worked tirelessly during the break to manage player fitness, and their efforts are paying off handsomely just as the team prepares to plunge back into high-stakes competition.
Makgopa and Mbatha Back in Full Swing
The most welcome sight for the technical team and the Ghost faithful alike is the return of Bafana Bafana internationals Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha. Both players have successfully shaken off their respective injuries and have officially resumed full-team training.
Mbatha had been forced to watch from the sidelines due to a knee injury sustained on 10 August 2026, while talismanic striker Makgopa had been battling patellar tendinitis since 5 August 2026. Missing the opening stages of the 2026/27 campaign was undoubtedly frustrating for the duo, but they have wasted no time in making up for lost time.
Both players have already featured in friendly matches to sharpen their competitive edge and accelerate their return to peak match fitness. Their reintegration provides a vital boost to the squad’s depth and quality.
Positive Strides for Nkota and De Jong
Progress is also being steadily mirrored in the recovery room for Mohau Nkota and Andre de Jong. While the pair are not yet ready for full-contact training, they are moving through the gears in their respective rehabilitation programmes.
Nkota, recovering from a knee injury, and De Jong, who has been side-lined with a hamstring strain, have both successfully transitioned to field-based rehabilitation. Although the medical team is playing it safe by holding back on a confirmed return date, the sight of them working with the ball and moving on the turf represents a hugely encouraging step forward.
Nduli Nears the Finish Line
Meanwhile, the long-term injury rehabilitation of Sihle Nduli has taken a major leap forward. The experienced 30-year-old midfielder has completed a critical milestone in his recovery programme, lacing up his boots to begin running on the field.
Senior physiotherapist Kutlwano Molefe offered an optimistic prognosis on Nduli’s trajectory:
“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.”
Looking Ahead
For a squad chasing silverware and domestic dominance, a clean bill of health—or at least the rapid depletion of the injury list—is worth its weight in gold. As Orlando Pirates finalise their preparations for the end of the international recess, the return of experienced campaigners and fresh legs will give the technical team welcome selection headaches.
If these rehabilitation timelines hold, the Buccaneers look set to resume their domestic campaign firing on all cylinders.
