Orlando Pirates boosted by return of key duo ahead of Soweto derby, says head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou

Makgopa has three goals and three assists in 14 Betway Premiership appearances this season, and has been sidelined with injury for the past two weeks - missing defeats to Mamelodi Sundowns in the league and Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup.

Mbatha has been out for four games, but both players are fully fit and in contention to start at the FNB Stadium this weekend.

Speaking ahead of the game, Ouaddou said in the Citizen: "About (Evidence) Makgopa, he's still with the group. We're very happy to welcome him back. He's back in training and he's feeling very well. So, he's one more player to have in our group.

"Another player is (Thalente) Mbatha. I'm very happy that he joined the group because there were a lot of questions around him. But he was injured as well and I'm happy to have him in the group."

Ouaddou also called on his team to approach this game with a strong mentality.

"There are emotions (involved) with these kinds of games, but those emotions must not kill the challenge that is at stake for such a game. Of course, we're going to prepare the players mentally about how we want to achieve the game plan, and how we want to play that game.

"But it's very important that mentally the players feel secure to deliver their qualities and to show their qualities on the pitch.

"What I want to say to my players is that, 'enjoy the moment, give your best, don't be too emotional because sometimes when you're too emotional, you miss something'," said the Bucs boss.