• Makgopa returns from injury
• Xoki & Sibisi return after suspension
• Pirates play AmaZulu on Saturday

WHAT HAPPENED?

Orlando Pirates have been handed a major boost ahead of their PSL clash against AmaZulu this coming Saturday.

For a considerable amount of time, Pirates' target man Evidence Makgopa was kept out of the lineup due to injury. Meanwhile, the duo defenders of captain Tapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi were out due to suspension.

Ahead of their latest game, the Soweto giants have announced that Makgopa has been training with the entire team, as Xoki and Sibisi are available for selection.

WHAT WAS SAID

"Defensive duo Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki are again in contention for places in the match-day squad after both players missed out on the trip to Durban through suspension,'' read the club's statement.

"Another boost for Pirates is the looming return of striker Evidence Makgopa, who is back at training after over a month on the sidelines.''

THE BIGGER PICTURE

It remains to be seen whether Sibisi and Xoki will walk straight into the team with Thabiso Sesane and Innocent Maela having done well in central defence against AmaZulu last weekend.

On the other hand, the former Baroka FC striker, who has been out for a long time through injury, will have to battle for the position with the in-form Tshegofatso Mabasa.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The trio will be hoping to make it into Jose Riveiro's starting eleven on Saturday against Pablo Franco Martin's side.

Pirates will be desperate for a win which will boost their ambitions of finishing in the top two positions in the league.