The Premier Soccer League remains in recess for another week to accommodate the ongoing FIFA international break.<\/p>\n
Orlando Pirates have used the interval productively, with the Club\u2019s medical team continuing its efforts to prepare the injured players for the resumption of the domestic season.<\/p>\n
The medical department has provided the following update on the players currently undergoing rehabilitation:<\/p>\n
Return to Full Training<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Both players have also featured in friendly matches as they continue working towards regaining full match fitness.<\/p>\n Recovering Players<\/strong><\/p>\n Mohau Nkota and Andre de Jong are continuing to make progress in their respective rehabilitation programmes.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Although no timeframe has been confirmed for their return, the move to on-field rehabilitation represents a positive step in their recovery.<\/p>\n Long-Term Injury Update<\/strong><\/p>\n There has also been encouraging progress in Sihle Nduli\u2019s recovery. The 30-year-old has completed the latest stage of his rehabilitation programme and has begun running on the field.<\/p>\n Senior physiotherapist Kutlwano Molefe provided the following update:<\/p>\n \u201cSihle 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.\u201d<\/p>\n