Xoki back, doubts over Lorch.

Orlando Pirates will travel to Mbombela Stadium on Sunday 30 April to take on TS Galaxy, with the imminent return of Thapelo Xoki a huge boost.

Xoki was injured against Dondol Stars in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals, and the Pirates medical team has reported he is likely to be fit for selection.

Thembinkosi Lorch's situation is still being monitored by the medical team, and he is a doubtful starter for Sunday.

Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro will be happy with the return of his right-backs, Bandile Shandu and Craig Martin. The pair have resumed full training with the team.

While they were out, left-back Paseko Mako did a good job of filling in the right-back position.

But the return of Shandu and Martin, will give Pirates more balance and options at right-back, especially with the Soweto derby looming on the horizon.

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Goalkeeper, Richard Ofori, and Cameroonian forward, Bienvenu Eva Nga have also resumed full training, while Vincent Pule and veteran forward, Ndumiso Mabena could resume full training during the coming few days.

The return to action for many of the Pirates players comes at a crucial time when depth will be key.

Bucs are competing for their second trophy of the season in the Nedbank Cup, as well as in the Dstv Premiership for the Caf Champions League spot.

Pirates back to second spot after beating Chippa 2-0.

Orlando Pirates crowd favorite, Thembinkosi Lorch. Image: Twitter

Orlando Pirates made it four Dstv Premiership wins in a row when they beat Chippa United 2-0 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha, on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Kabelo Dlamini, who scored from close range following a Monnapule Saleng cut back in the 20th minute, and crowd favorite, Thembinkosi Lorch who showed his experience with a calm finish after beating Chippa's offside trap in the 38th minute, were enough to see Pirates grab the all-important three points which moved them back to the second spot on superior goal difference over third placed SuperSport United.

In what was not their vintage performance, despite controlling possession of the ball with 57%, it was a combination of hunger, superior quality, and a bit of efficiency that won the game for Amabhakaniya.

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There wasn't a lot of goal mouth action in Gqeberha for Bucs as we have come to know them, but from their five goal attempts, they managed to get three on target, with two ending up in the back of the net.

The 2-0 win means Pirates have now scored nine goals, with just one conceded in their last four league games.

It is their ability to keep clean sheets that will help in with their positive goal difference column, something that might play a role in determining who gets the Caf Champions League spot come the end of the season, with the race expected to go down to the wire.

Pirates' next league game will be against Cape Town City on Saturday 22 April at Orlando Stadium.