The Premier Soccer League remains in recess for another week to accommodate the ongoing FIFA international break.
Orlando Pirates have used the interval productively, with the Club’s medical team continuing its efforts to prepare the injured players for the resumption of the domestic season.
The medical department has provided the following update on the players currently undergoing rehabilitation:
Return to Full Training
After missing the opening stages of the 2026/27 season, Bafana Bafana internationals Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha have returned to full-team training following their recovery from their respective injuries.
Mbatha has been sidelined with a knee injury since 10 August 2026, while Makgopa has been receiving treatment for patellar tendinitis since 5 August 2026.
Both players have also featured in friendly matches as they continue working towards regaining full match fitness.
Recovering Players
Mohau Nkota and Andre de Jong are continuing to make progress in their respective rehabilitation programmes.
Nkota is recovering from a knee injury, while De Jong is undergoing treatment for a hamstring injury. Both players have progressed to field-based rehabilitation.
Although no timeframe has been confirmed for their return, the move to on-field rehabilitation represents a positive step in their recovery.
Long-Term Injury Update
There has also been encouraging progress in Sihle Nduli’s recovery. The 30-year-old has completed the latest stage of his rehabilitation programme and has begun running on the field.
Senior physiotherapist Kutlwano Molefe provided the following update:
“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.”
