Mbatha and Makgopa return to training ahead of MTN8 final — TimesLIVE

In South Africa, Orlando Pirates players Talente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa have returned to training with the main group after injuries. They could expand coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s options ahead of the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns, which will take place on October 10 at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium.

As TimesLIVE reports, Mbatha has recovered from a knee injury, while Makgopa has recovered from patellar tendinitis. Both players had been sidelined since the start of August and were not included in the South Africa national team squad for Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Guinea and Eritrea.

Additional options for the coach

During Mbatha’s absence, Ouaddou used Simphiwe Selepe, Tapelo Mokobodi, Mtetelili Mtiyane and Kamrena Dancina in central midfield. Makgopa’s absence gave more opportunities to Yanela Mbutuma and Boitumelo Radiopane.

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Rehabilitation of other players

Forwards Mohau Nkota and Andre de Jong are also progressing in their recovery. Nkota, who plays for Pirates on loan from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq, is receiving treatment for a knee injury, while de Jong is recovering from a hamstring injury. Both have moved to the field phase of rehabilitation, but the timing of their return to matches has not been determined.

Defensive midfielder Sile Nduli has only just started running on the field. The club’s senior physiotherapist, Kutlwano Molefe, said the player is expected to spend around two weeks in field rehabilitation before beginning his return to training with the team.