Orlando Pirates are set to welcome back Evidence Makgopa for Saturday's crucial Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs.
Image: Backpagepix
Abdeslam Ouaddou is a happy coach after welcoming two of his key players back to training ahead of their must-win Soweto derby clash away to arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3.30pm kick-off).
Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha have been missing in action for Pirates in the last two matches, with their absence evident as the team endured two defeats against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership and Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup.
Makgopa’s shoes were filled by Yanela Mbuthuma and Andre de Jong, but the duo struggled, hardly keeping the opposition defenders on their toes, creating space for their runners, or holding up play – key game areas that Makgopa thrives in.
The Bafana Bafana international returns to training ahead of one of his favourite games in the domestic top-flight, having notably scored three goals against Chiefs, including in their last meeting in the 2025 Nedbank Cup final when they lost 2-1 at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
That’s one of the reasons Ouaddou is thrilled to have him back, especially given the fact that they need to beat Chiefs to return to the top of the log standings after being topped by Sundowns on Tuesday night.
“He’s been out for nearly three weeks, but we are very happy as a group to welcome him back. He’s back at training and feeling very well. So, he’s one more player to add to the group,” Ouaddou said.
Ouaddou doesn’t have only one potential addition for the Soweto derby match-day squad, but two. Mbatha is an influential figure in the Pirates team, having forged an effective partnership with his mentor, Makhahleni Makhaula, in the midfield.
Mbatha's game model is centred around stability, scanning the surroundings, and having shots at goal from distance, making him one of the pivots in Pirates’ engine room. That’s why Ouaddou is happy to finally provide an update on his whereabouts.
“I am happy to welcome back Mbatha as well. There have been a lot of questions around him. He was injured as well,” Ouaddou explained.
*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch