Abdeslam Ouaddou provides injury update ahead of MTN8 final

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Ouaddou gives injury update as MTN8 final looms

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Abdeslam Ouaddou provides injury update ahead of MTN8 final

Photo: Orlando Pirates @ X

10.10.26 12:00 MTN 8 Cup South Africa

Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has provided an injury update ahead of their MTN8 final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The Buccaneers will be looking to clinch a record-extending fifth consecutive top eight title, while the Brazilians will be aiming to lift a first domestic cup title since the 2021/22 campaign.

Notably, Pirates beat Sekhukhune United in a two-legged semi-final to advance to the decider, with Sundowns piping Golden Arrows to a spot in the final by virtue of away goal rule after a 3-3 draw on aggregate.

With the blockbuster match on the horizon, the defending champions received an injury boost as Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa, and Mohau Nkota, among others, returned to training, but Ouaddou is mum on their availability against Sundowns.

“What I can tell you is that they are in good shape, they are coming back. We are doing everything and the medical department, performance department are doing everything for them to be available for the next games,” said the Pirates boss.

"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. I cannot go further for the next game.

Furthermore, the Sea Robbers also welcomed back influential midfielder Sihle Nduli, who suffered a grade three ligament tear on his ankle after a heavy challenge from AmaZulu FC striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya back in August.

“First of all, we are happy to see him back on the pitch, he's on the process of rehabilitation and soon I think you will be able to see him,” Ouaddou added.

"But he still needs a couple of weeks with the performance department, medical department. The good news is that step-by-step he's coming back on the field.

Whether Ouaddou will tap into the services of the returnees for the highly-anticipated clash against Sundowns remains to be seen, with the first piece of silverware in the 2026/27 season at stake.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.