Orlando Pirates receive massive boost ahead of Soweto derby

Orlando Pirates have received a massive injury boost as two key figures will be available for selection against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The Buccaneers will be eager to return to winning ways and keep their title hopes alive after suffering a defeat to defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in their last league outing.

Pirates are level on 38 points with the table-topping Masandawana, while Chiefs sit fourth with 30 points picked up from 16 games following a loss against Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday.

With the much-awaited spectacle on the horizon, Bucs mentor Abdeslam Ouaddou confirmed striker Evidence Makgopa and midfielder Thalente Mbatha, have returned from their respective injuries.

“About Makgopa, he's been out for nearly three weeks but we are very happy, the group is very happy to welcome him back. He's back in training and he's feeling very well, so it's one more player to add in our group,” he said.

"And Mbatha as well, I'm very happy that he's joined the group because there's a lot of questions around him but he was injured as well and I'm happy to have him as well in the group.

Pirates have completed back-to-back league doubles over Chiefs in the previous two campaigns, with Amakhosi's last league win dating back to February 2023.

Hlayisani Magoro

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