Orlando Pirates handed injury boost but Rakhale is still out

Orlando Pirates have been handed a huge boost after midfielder Thabo Qalinge returned to full training.

The 25-year-old winger, who is yet to feature for Bucs this year, has had a long layoff due to a combination of back and hamstring pain.

Nicknamed Section 10, Qalinge has returned to full training for the first time in over a month according to the club's official website.

However, Qalinge's teammate Thabo Rakhale is still out nursing his hamstring injury under the watchful eye of Pirates biokineticist Stephen Plummer.

The club also released the following statement on their official website:

Apart from the bumps and bruises which are common in a contact sport such as football, the Bucs medical team is pleased to report a pleasantly low register in their injury room.

• Riyaad Norodien – Stubbed toe

• Ntsikelelo Nyauza – Mild hamstring strain

• Tendai Ndoro – Mild hamstring strain

• Ayanda Gcaba – Ankle strain