FIFA Break Could Come At Right Time For Pir…

Evidence Makgopa during Orlando Pirates training recently as the team prepared for their CAF Champions League preliminary match against La Cure Waves

The FIFA international break could have come at an opportune time for Orlando Pirates, with the Buccaneers hopeful of welcoming back some of their injured players when domestic action resumes.

Despite having to cope without several players in recent weeks, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side have continued to produce positive results and maintain their challenge at the top of the Betway Premiership.

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Pirates signed off ahead of the break with a 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday, extending their winning run in the league to five matches.

The result moved the Buccaneers to within a point of current leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, ensuring they entered the lengthy international break on a positive note.

The Soweto giants have, however, been without Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa, Sihle Nduli and Mohau Nkota, who have been unavailable for selection as they continue their respective recoveries from injury.

There is some encouragement for Ouaddou, with Mbatha and Makgopa believed to have made progress and returned to training, while Nkota is also understood to be edging closer to a return.

The international break could therefore provide the injured players with valuable additional time to work on their recoveries without the pressure of missing further domestic fixtures.

Should some of them be cleared to return after the break, their availability would give Ouaddou further options as Pirates prepare for an important period of the season.

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The Buccaneers are also set for a major showdown with Sundowns in the MTN8 final on October 10, with the two sides currently separated by just one point at the top of the league table.

For Pirates, the hope will be that the break not only preserves their momentum, but also allows some of their unavailable players to return and strengthen the squad for the challenges ahead.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix 

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