Orlando Pirates have revealed their medical team are monitoring Thabo Qalinge and Thamsanqa Gabuza’s progress ahead of their clash against SuperSport United.

The Buccaneers have an opportunity to move to the top of the Absa Premiership table when they welcome Matsatsantsa to the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.

Pirates confirmed that Gabuza is expected to return in time for their league clash, while also stating that Qalinge and Innocent Maela will continue their rehabilitation.

The club released the following statement on their website, which reads: ‘The Orlando Pirates medical department has been hard at work this past week as they have been trying to get some first team regulars available for the Absa Premiership match against SuperSport United on Tuesday evening.

‘The Buccaneers played a friendly match against the Reserve Team (U23s) last week. Midfielder Thabo Qalinge didn’t play any part of the friendly (which the first team won 3-1) as he was being treated for a minor knock.

‘Striker Thamsanqa Gabuza also didn’t play any part of the match due to the flu but the burly marksman is expected to recover in time for the match.

‘Meanwhile, left back Innocent Maela continues to undergo rehabilitation as he nears full recovery. According to the medical department, Maela is progressing well and is currently working on strengthening work.’