Olisa Ndah, the Nigerian international defender, is set to make his much-anticipated return to the Orlando Pirates squad after months of recovery. Having been sidelined since September 2024 due to a significant injury, Ndah is now fully fit and ready to rejoin his teammates at a critical juncture in the season. His return will be a crucial boost to the Pirates’ defense, a unit that has faced mounting challenges in recent weeks.
The Buccaneers have been battling with defensive depth issues, especially following the injury to Thabiso Sesane, who sustained a ruptured tendon in a tough encounter against Sekhukhune United. Sesane’s long-term absence has left a noticeable gap in the team’s backline, forcing coach Jose Riveiro to adapt with available options. Despite their best efforts, Orlando Pirates have struggled to maintain defensive solidity in his absence, which has added pressure on their overall performance in both the league and cup competitions.
With the season entering a vital phase, the timing of Ndah’s return couldn’t be more perfect. As Pirates face an intense schedule of upcoming fixtures, including key league matches and cup encounters, the presence of Ndah will provide much-needed stability and leadership in defense. His experience and composure on the ball are qualities that have been sorely missed, and his readiness to step back into the lineup will be a welcome relief for Riveiro and the Pirates faithful.
The return of Ndah also comes at a time when the Pirates’ defensive unit has been under heavy scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. As the club aims to secure top honors in both the DStv Premiership and cup competitions, ensuring their defense is at its best will be paramount. Ndah’s solid partnership with the other defensive stalwarts will be key to helping Orlando Pirates make a successful push towards the end of the season.
Pirates fans will be eager to see how quickly Ndah can find his rhythm again and whether he can hit the ground running after such a long layoff. However, with his track record of consistency and reliability in the past, there is high optimism surrounding his ability to quickly reintegrate into the squad and contribute at a high level. His return is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated events for the club as they strive to overcome recent challenges and push forward with their title ambitions.
