Head coach Jose Riveiro has given an update on the progress of highly-rated attacker Azola Matrose, who is yet to make his debut for Orlando Pirates' first team.
In line with his contract, Matrose is set to complete his second season as a Pirates player, having been signed ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and sent on a season-long loan to former club Chippa United.
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The 21-year-old finally joined up with his Bucs teammate at the start of the current season but has had to wait once more due to a serious injury that required surgery.
Matrose has made several appearances Pirates’ reserve side, finding the back of the net on two occasions.
He has also been travelling with the first team in recent months, all pointing towards a possible debut for the speedy attacker.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Nedbank Cup semi-final clash against Matrose’s former side Chippa, Riveiro revealed that the player is 'close to his best form'.
"Azola is working so hard, since the start of the season, he came back to the club with a difficult injury to deal with,” responded the Spaniard when asked by KickOff.
"It’s been a long, long period for him not having the opportunity to perform at his level.
"But right now, he is back in a good space, he is making – and I’m honest – he is making big steps forward.
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"Right now, he is close to his best level, in my opinion. He is working very well in the training and he is getting more and more mature.
"So, I’m sure that it’s not going to take long before we can see Azola playing for the club."
Pirates' match against Chippa on Saturday is at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
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