Ruud Krol has received a major fillip as Andile Jali is allowed to return to action after serving a one-match suspension.

The Orlando Pirates boss was unable to field his preferred central midfield partnership against Bloemfontein Celtic due to Jali's ban and Benson Mhlongo's injury.

Mhlongo will miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury but Krol can once again call upon Jali, who has impressed since joining the Buccaneers at the start of the 2009/10 campaign.

The South African Under-20 international told the Pirates website that he is delighted to return to the fray ahead of the clash against Ajax Cape Town.

He said: "I am very pleased to be back in the team just in time ahead of the match against Ajax Cape Town. This is the very same team I made my debut against when we beat them 1-0 at the beginning of the season.

"Hopefully I will get another chance to inflict the same pain on them at home as well."

Club captain Lehlohonolo Seema is also nearing a return after concluding his rehabilitation programme for a leg injury that has kept him sidelined for the entire season.

Fan favourite Josephy Kamwendo and Mlungisi Mdluli started in the 3-1 win over Celtic a fortnight ago so Krol has a welcome selection headache for the Urban Warriors fixture now that Jali is available.