Makgopa has not played a competitive fixture since the World Cup round of 32 clash against Canada, while Mbatha played in Pirates’ first two games of the campaign but has been laid low by a knee injury since.

They could be in contention to play in Pirates’ next fixture, the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns on October 10, though it would be a big stage on which to be thrust back into the limelight.

Winger Mohau Nkota (knee) and forward Andre de Jong (hamstring) are back running on the grass but have not yet resumed full training, and the club has not put a timeframe on their return.

Sihle Nduli is also back running after an injury he sustained against AmaZulu last month but is some two weeks away from a return to full training.

Pirates have made an unbeaten start to the new campaign with 10 wins and two draws across their 12 matches in all competitions.

The return of injured players will certainly help during what will be a busy period for the club as they look to earn a place in the group stage of the CAF Champions League.