Olisa Ndah Returns as Orlando Pirates Lift Carling Cup
Super Eagles defender Olisa Ndah made a triumphant return from a long-term injury as Orlando Pirates beat the Carling All-Stars 2-0 to win the Carling Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
It was Ndah’s first match in a year, following a tibia fracture he suffered in a Premier Soccer League clash with Polokwane City in September 2024. Last season, the injury restricted the 27-year-old centre-back to just nine appearances across all competitions.
Since joining Pirates from Akwa United in 2021, Ndah has become a key figure for the Soweto side, making 82 appearances and establishing himself as one of the club’s most reliable defenders.
The deadlock was broken in the 68th minute when youngster Sifiso Luthuli chipped goalkeeper Brandon Petersen. Boitumelo Radiopane doubled the lead ten minutes from time with a low, drilled finish into the bottom corner.
After the match, Ndah praised the team’s winning mentality.
“We keep making history every time. I think it’s the norm now in the team. We aim to win everything,” he said. “It’s time to enjoy and celebrate.”
Ndah had recently returned to the matchday squad but was on the bench for league wins over Chippa United and Durban City. He now hopes for more regular playing time as he continues his recovery.
At international level, Ndah has three caps for Nigeria, making his Super Eagles debut in 2021 under Gernot Rohr at the age of 23 years, five months, and 13 days. However, he will miss the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The victory also made Pirates the first League Cup winners to defeat the All-Stars team since the exhibition fixture began in 2023. Stellenbosch FC lost the inaugural edition, while Magesi FC were beaten last season.
The triumph marked head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s third trophy with Orlando Pirates, following wins in the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup.
