Soweto Derby: Double boost for Pirates but doubts remain over key Chiefs duo

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Soweto Derby: Double boost for Pirates but doubts remain over key Chiefs duo
Relebohile Mofokeng and Evidence Makgopa. Photo: Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates have been handed a significant boost as key players Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha have returned to training, making them potential contenders for Saturday’s Soweto Derby clash against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium.

The Buccaneers have been navigating a series of fitness issues within their squad, prompting the technical team to implement a rotation policy to manage player workloads. As they prepare to face their arch-rivals, the availability of Makgopa and Mbatha will be a welcome relief.

The PSL encounter is crucial for both teams. A victory for Pirates could see them challenge for the top of the table, while Chiefs are aiming to close the gap on the Buccaneers and league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Thalente Mbatha. Photo: Orlando Pirates
Thalente Mbatha. Photo: Orlando Pirates

Makgopa and Mbatha back in contention

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou confirmed the positive news regarding the duo, who have been working their way back to full fitness.

“About Makgopa, he’s still with the group. We’re very happy to welcome him back,” Ouaddou stated. “He’s back in training, and he’s feeling very well. So he’s one more player to have in our group.”

The coach expressed similar satisfaction with Mbatha’s return, adding, “Another player as well, Mbatha. I’m very happy that he joined the group because there were a lot of questions around him. But he was injured as well, and I’m happy to have him in the group.”

Injury concerns remain for both sides

While the return of Makgopa and Mbatha is a positive development, Pirates are still without several other players. Ouaddou did not provide an update on Sipho Mbule, Kabelo Dlamini, Tapelo Xoki, and Thabiso Lebitso, all of whom are sidelined with injuries. The team’s ability to cope without them has highlighted the depth of their squad.

Kaizer Chiefs are also dealing with their own fitness challenges. Co-coach Cedric Kaze provided an update on his squad’s status.

Inacio Miguel. Picture by Kaizer Chiefs
Inacio Miguel. Picture by Kaizer Chiefs

“It is true that [Miguel] Miguel has missed a couple of games following his injury… he’s had two lighter training sessions with the group and he will be assessed today to see if he’s able to feature,” Kaze explained.

He also noted that while Sibongiseni Mthethwa has been training, he is not yet 100% fit. Meanwhile, Etiosa Ighodaro is definitively ruled out, and George Matlou is also unavailable. On a brighter note for the Amakhosi, Thabo Cele has recovered from his injury and could feature in the derby.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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