Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has given updates on Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa.
The two players will be available for the Soweto Derby this weekend against Kaizer Chiefs. The duo have missed several matches in the second half of the season.
Speaking on Thursday, Ouaddou confirmed that both Makgopa and Mbatha were available for selection for Saturday’s game.
“About Makgopa, he’s still with the group. We’re very happy to welcome him back,” he said as per iDiski Times.
Pirates welcome Mbatha and Makgopa ahead of Derby
“He’s back in training and he’s feeling very well. So he’s one more player to have in our group.
“Another player as well, Mbatha I’m very happy that he joined the group because there were a lot of questions around him,” Ouaddou added.
“But he was injured as well and I’m happy to have him in the group.”
Orlando Pirates come into the derby having won four consecutive league matches against Amakhosi. A win on Saturday will take them back to the top of the table and give them confidence as they seek to win their first league title in 14 years.
The Buccaneers are winless in two matches across all competitions and are desperate to return to winning ways.
Both teams have only the league to play for, having bowed out of the Nedbank Cup this month.
Pirates are favourites coming into Saturday’s match but given the unpredictability of the derby, expect surprises.
Chiefs and Pirates face off at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
