Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has provided critical squad updates ahead the highly-anticipated Soweto Derby on Saturday.

The much-awaited mouthwatering Betway Premiership showdown is set to kick-off at 15h30, at the FNB Stadium.

This encounter carries a significant weight in the league title race with Pirates currently sitting joint-top of the log with 38 points, level with the Betway Premiership defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Meanwhile, Chiefs will host Pirates in the 184^th Soweto Derby at a sold-out FNB Stadium, occupying fourth place with 30 points, trailing the joint-league leaders by eight points with a game in hand.

The Buccanners received two major boost ahead the Sowetro Derby with the return of the influential Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha, both players are available for squad selection for Saturday’s high-stake encounter.

Ouaddou expressed his delight with the return of Makgopa after a two-week injury layoff that saw him miss top-of-the-table clash against Mamelodi Sundowns last week

“Evidence Makgopa has been out for nearly two weeks, but we are very happy, and the group is very happy to welcome him back to training, where he is doing very well,” Ouaddou said.

“One more player to add to our group is Thalente Mbatha, who has also joined the group because there were a lot of questions surrounding him. However, he was injured as well. I’m happy to have him back in the group.”‎