Ndah’s timely return gives Orlando Pirates depth for crucial run

Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah has returned to fitness at a crucial stage of the campaign after a prolonged injury absence, and with the season moving into its toughest period, his leadership and experience could prove invaluable.

Ndah, along with Thabiso Sesane, had been unavailable after suffering injuries last season, but both defenders made their return over the weekend as the Buccaneers claimed a 2-0 victory in the Carling Cup against the All Stars. 

Their comeback arrives at an important moment for the club, not only because of their defensive quality but also following the departure of influential squad member Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who had played a key role in the heart of their defence.

The Nigerian international has endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines, missing opportunities with both Pirates and the national team, having previously been part of the Super Eagles setup during the peak of his career. 

His return strengthens an already well-balanced Buccaneers squad, which currently holds the best defensive record in the league.

Happy to be back in competitive action, Ndah has also spoken positively about the depth within the squad, particularly the impact made by younger players who stepped up during his absence.

“I am happy to be back. It’s been almost a year for me being out, and I am happy to be back playing with the guys,” Ndah commented on SuperSport TV.

“We have a lot of talent in the team, and it’s not about how old you are before you get your chance to play. Age doesn’t matter, and to be part of such a good side, I’m really happy to be back.”

Pirates have been one of the standout teams this season, with triumphs in both the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout tournaments highlighting their determination to challenge on all fronts.

While the pause in domestic action may not have come at the ideal time for head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his players, given the momentum they had built across competitions, the break will still be welcomed.

While the two trophy successes have already marked a productive campaign, the two-point advantage at the top of the Betway Premiership table will be particularly satisfying for the Soweto giants.

Similar to the Carling Knockout, their last league title came in the 2011/12 season, and they will be hopeful that this campaign finally brings an end to their 13-year wait for the championship.

With up to nine Pirates players currently involved with Bafana Bafana, Ndah believes squad depth will be essential once league action resumes, especially with several players expected to return directly from AFCON duty without sufficient rest.

“The break is just a little bit of rest because most of the guys have been playing. We are still going to be working hard, and some of the guys are with the national team, and they are going to come back tired, so we need a lot of freshness in the team, which we are here to give.

“Going forward, we know how important the second round is. The first two months of that round are very important going forward in the league, and I think that we will be ready,” he concluded.