Orlando Pirates have received a major fitness boost ahead of their crucial MTN8 final showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns FC.
According to a report on soccerladuma.co.za, midfielder Sihle Nduli has made a return to the training pitch ahead of schedule.
Nduli Returns Ahead of Schedule
The 30-year-old midfielder suffered a grade-three ligament tear to his ankle after a heavy tackle against AmaZulu in August. He was originally expected to be out for four months.
However, Nduli returned to on-field training after just over a month. He was spotted doing light running at Rand Stadium under the supervision of the club’s medical team.
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed his delight at Nduli’s progress during the MTN8 Media Day:
“Sihle Nduli, first of all, we are happy to see him back on the pitch. He is in the process of rehabilitation, and soon I think you will be able to see him. But he still needs a couple of weeks with the performance department and medical department.”
Further Squad Recovery Progress
Nduli is not the only player making strides toward full fitness. Mohau Nkota, Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa, and Andre de Jong were all seen training at Rand Stadium.
Coach Ouaddou remains cautious about their potential inclusion in Saturday’s match at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
“Look, what I can tell you is that they are in good shape, they are coming back,” Ouaddou stated. “For now, I cannot tell you more about these players… Maybe you will see it in the next couple of games.”
While their presence on the training ground provides a massive psychological lift, the technical staff must balance short-term trophy ambitions with long-term player availability. Having players return ahead of critical fixtures provides key squad depth for the demanding season ahead.
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