Orlando Pirates have received encouraging news from the medical department, with several players moving closer to a return to competitive action.
Bafana Bafana internationals Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa have taken the biggest step forward after returning to full-team training following spells on the sidelines.
Their progress gives head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou additional options as the Buccaneers continue their busy 2026/27 campaign across domestic and continental competitions.
Mbatha and Makgopa back in full training
Mbatha has been recovering from a knee injury that kept him out since 10 August, while Makgopa has been working his way back from patellar tendinitis after being ruled out earlier in August.
Both players have already featured in friendly matches as part of their rehabilitation and conditioning programmes.
Their return to full training represents an important milestone, although match readiness and competitive selection will depend on their continued progress.
Nkota and De Jong move to field-based rehabilitation
Pirates have also provided positive updates on Mohau Nkota and Andre de Jong.
Nkota is recovering from a knee problem, while De Jong has been working his way back from a hamstring injury.
Both players have now progressed to field-based rehabilitation, placing them another step closer to returning to the squad.
The club has not provided a specific comeback date for either player.
Nduli takes another step forward
There is also progress in the rehabilitation of Sihle Nduli, who has been dealing with a longer-term injury.
The 30-year-old has completed the latest phase of his programme and has started running on the field.
Pirates senior physiotherapist Kutlwano Molefe confirmed that Nduli is expected to spend approximately two weeks undergoing field-based rehabilitation before beginning the process of reintegrating into full-team training.
It means the midfielder is gradually moving towards the next stage of his recovery.
Pirates enjoying a strong start
The returning players could soon provide further depth to a Pirates squad that has made an impressive start under Ouaddou.
The Buccaneers have gone unbeaten in their opening seven matches across all competitions, recording six victories and one draw.
Their Betway Premiership campaign began with a 2-0 victory over Milford FC, followed by a 1-1 draw against AmaZulu. Pirates then recorded wins over Chippa United, Sekhukhune United and Kruger United.
Those results have left the defending champions with 13 points from a possible 15, having scored 12 goals and conceded just one.
MTN8 and CAF Champions League progress
Pirates have also booked their place in the MTN8 final for a fifth consecutive season.
After beating Durban City 2-1 in the quarter-finals, they defeated Sekhukhune United 4-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals, winning 1-0 away before completing the tie with a 3-0 home victory.
The Buccaneers have also advanced in the CAF Champions League.
After a goalless draw against La Cure Waves in Mauritius, Pirates secured their progression with a 3-1 victory in Soweto.
Their strong defensive record has been another feature of their campaign, with goalkeeper Sipho Chaine and the Pirates defence recording five clean sheets in seven matches.
New signing Gamphani Lungu has also made an immediate impression, earning the August Player of the Month award after contributing three goals and an assist.
With Mbatha and Makgopa back in full training and Nkota, De Jong and Nduli continuing to progress, Pirates could soon have even more depth available as their demanding season continues.
Which Orlando Pirates player are you most excited to see return?
