Orlando Pirates have confirmed that attacking midfield duo Thabo Rakhale and Thabo Qalinge are both well into their recovery following their respective injuries.

The Buccaneers have been boosted by some of the clubs’ first team players who were previously laid off through injury.

Rakhale, who suffered from a Meniscal cyst, chronic hamstring and patella tendonitis, was given the green light by the medical team and has now started with phase 1 of his rehabilitation.

Qalinge, who underwent a plasma replacement procedure, has also started with phase 1 of his rehabilitation, according to the Orlando Pirates website.

Meanwhile, Thabo Matlaba, who suffered a right ankle contusion with a ligamentous sprain, is still undergoing rehab and is scheduled to be re-assessed later today.

Defender Marc Van Heerden, who was inflicted with a Grade 1 tear of quadriceps muscle, returned to full training on Tuesday.

Orlando Pirates will next take on Kaizer Chiefs, in what is expect to be an entertaining Soweto derby in the Absa Premiership on Saturday.

The match at the FNB Stadium kicks off at 15:30