Orlando Pirates may receive a much welcomed boost to their squad as three players are close to making their returns from injury.
Sihle Nduli, Olisa Ndah and Makhehleni Makhaula could all return to the field soon, the club announced on its official website on Monday.
“They could soon be boosted by the return of midfielder Sihle Nduli, who missed the Carling Knockout clash against Richards Bay, while Olisa Ndah and Makhehleni Makhaula both inch closer to featuring for the first time this season,” the club stated.
Nduli has been an integral piece in the Buccaneers’ midfield since joining from Stellenbosch FC at the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
The 30-year-old has notched 15 appearances for his new club in all domestic competitions, including all of its 10 Betway Premiership games this season.
He picked up an injury in the Buccaneer’s Carling Knockout semi-final against Richards Bay on 8 November.
Makhaula, who won the 2024/25 Betway Premiership Midfielder of the Season, is yet to appear for Pirates this season after picking up an injury at the back-end of the 2024/25 campaign. Ndah has not featured in this campaign either.
The Sea Robbers face Chippa United on Tuesday evening at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto and are looking to complete the league double over Chippa, having defeated the Chilli Boys 3-0 on 31 August.
A victory would take them level on points with Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the Betway Premiership table, with a game in hand.
Following Tuesday’s fixture, Pirates have two fixtures left for the year. They will face Durban City in the league while their clash with Richards Bay has been postponed, before facing Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout final with a chance to claim a second piece of silverware this season.
