Olisa Ndah: I am happy to be back
Nigerian defender Olisa Ndah is happy to be back in training with Orlando Pirates following a three-month long absence with injury.
The Super Eagle defender’s last game was against Amazulu in November 2022. Since then, Ndah has been on the treatment table, but that chapter is over as he is back in training.
In a chat with Comfort 95.1FM presenter Festus Dada, shared with SportsRation, Ndah narrated the difficult recovery period, his motivation and Orlando Pirates targets for the rest of the season.
THE RECOVERY PROCESS, WHO WAS THERE
NDAH: ” That period wasn’t easy for me. It was difficult but I thank God for my family and friends.
” They were always there for me. I thank the club [ Orlando Pirates ], the Physio’s they did a great job.
” I’m actually supposed to start training later than I’ve started already but my progress shows I’m improving and im really happy to start playing again.
MOTIVATION THROUGH THE PAIN
NDAH: ” My motivation was my family. I always spoke with my dad and my mom and they had to encourage me.
” When I was down, there were times I didn’t feel like doing the rehab, the physiotherapist and doctors they kept pushing me. They really helped me a lot. I’m really grateful to have them around because they really changed my mindset. I am happy to be back.”
His last game for Pirates was the MTN-8 final vs Amazulu in November. Olisa Ndah was rock-solid as he marshalled the Pirates back-line to see out a 1-0 win and win his first title with Orlando Pirates
The former Akwa United FC defender described that moment at the Moses Mabhida Stadium as wonderful for him and Orlando Pirates especially with the ghosts of their CAF Confederation Cup Final loss to RSB Berkane still fresh in his mind.
MTN-8 TITLE WIN
NDAH: “Winning the MTN 8 title was a wonderful feeling. I can’t really say how I felt but I was happy and glad because it was a big achievement for me and the club [Orlando Pirates].
” It’s been a while we’ve won something so I was really happy. You know going into the final I was a bit nervous, I was actually prepared but in a moment I thought of the CAF Confederation Cup Final that we lost in Nigeria. ”
TARGETS FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON
” We still have the same goals, we have the NEDBANK Cup and the league to fight for, we are just focused on those two and hopefully we get into the CAF Confederation Cup, ” Olisa Ndah concluded.
According to reports from South Africa, Olisa Ndah will not be rushed back for Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday afternoon.
Pirates sit in 3rd place on the South Africa Premier Soccer League standings after 20 games.
BUCS manager Jose Riveiro will be boosted by the return of Olisa Ndah. With Mamelodi Sundowns running away with the title, Pirates will battle to return to the continent for the 2023/2024 season.
