Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has confirmed that Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha are available for Saturday’s Soweto Derby.
Makgopa, 25, has been one of Pirates’ key players under Ouaddou this season but he missed the last two games – defeats against Mamelodi Sundowns and Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup.
The lanky striker has scored three goals and set up three more in 14 league appearances, helping Pirates to rally Sundowns for the title this campaign.
Ahead of the derby, Ouaddou confirmed that Makgopa is back in training, while midfielder Mbatha, who missed the last four games, has also returned from his injury.
“About Makgopa, he’s still with the group. We’re very happy to welcome him back,” Ouaddou stated on Thursday.
“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.
“But he was injured as well and I’m happy to have him in the group.”
The match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is set to kick off at 15:30 on Saturday, with fans urged to arrive early for the sold-out affair at FNB Stadium.
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