Orlando Pirates has confirmed that defender Happy Jele is expected to return to full training by the end of the week.

The 29-year-old missed out on the Buccaneers defeat in the MTN8 quarter-finals against Bidvest wits due to injury.

According to the medical team, Jele suffered a hamstring strain in Pirates’ 3-1 win over Golden Arrows and he has undergone rehabilitation and is making good progress, reports the Orlando Pirates website.

The Buccaneers defender is due to start with his final phase of rehabilitation, before returning to the squad.

Meanwhile, defender Gladwin Shitolo is due to go for a scan to determine the extent of the recovery of a Grade 2 quad tear he suffered in a practice match against Bloemfontein Celtic last month.

Shitolo is nearing recovery and should rejoin the rest of his teammates by the beginning of next week.

Over the course of his career, Jele has netted nine goals and created a further five from 210 appearances in all competitions playing for the Sea Robbers.

Orlando Pirates will now return to the Absa Premiership when they take on Ajax Cape Town at the Cape Town Stadium on September 13.

Kick-off has been set for 19:30.