Orlando Pirates have been boosted by the return of striker Thabiso Kutumela following his long-term injury lay-off last season.

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The 25-year-old has been out of action since February after sustaining an ankle fracture, which assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena described as a ‘freak accident’ during a training session.

However, Kutumela appeared 18 times for the Buccaneers during the 2017-18 season while scoring two and assisting a further two before his injury setback.

Despite returning to full training‚ Kutumela will miss his side’s opening Absa Premiership clash against Highlands Park at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

‘I am happy to be back training again,’ Kutumela told his club’s official website.

‘It has been a long time since I last trained with the guys, it was such a relief to be running with my boots on. The toughest part, however, in my recovery has always been the mental side of things but I am thankful to the medical team as well as the support that I have been getting from my family, the coaches and my teammates.’

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Orlando Pirates against Highlands Park kicks off at 8:15pm.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/Backpagepix