Olisa Ndah`s Orlando Pirates absence explained

Olisa Ndah is loved by fans at Orlando Pirates and even more back home in Nigeria. His absence from the BUCs matchday squad since February has left his fans worried. That concern is explained in this report.

LAST APPEARANCE

Olisa Ndah`s last appearance for Orlando Pirates was against Kaizer Chiefs on February 25, 2023. The defender came on as a second half substitute and was unlucky to score an own goal which condemned Pirates to a 1-0 derby loss.

That game was his first since the MTN final win over Amazulu on November 5, 2022. The defender spent over 3-months out with injury.

Close to two-months since his last game, Fans like Akila Matawal are asking, What happened to Olisa Ndah?

REASON FOR OLISA NDAH`S ABSENCE

Olisa Ndah has not played for Pirates since his own goal vs Kaizer Chiefs prompting questions if Coach Jose Riveiro is ignoring the defender due to the unlucky moment from the cameo appearance.

That is not true. The reason for Olisa Ndah`s absence is Injury.

The Super Eagles defender sustained a knock in that game against Kaizer Chiefs which led to his return to the treatment table.

The last update about the defender from his South African DSTV Premier League club was in March and revealed he was close to a return. This time, the club may have decided not to rush him back especially with the current squad enjoying a bit of consistency in form and results.

Pirates have won all six games since the defeat to Kaizer Chiefs ( 4 league wins and 2 penalty shootout wins in the cup).

That run has ensured Coach Riveiro is happy with the squad as it is.

” As coaches we always look for continuity and consistency in our starting XI and it is exceptional for us when we can do it,” Riveiro said of his consistency with the squad after Cup win over Dondol FC.

“It is something we couldn’t do during the earlier stages of the season, now we have the chance to because players are healthy and we are getting good results and good performances.

“But it also doesn’t mean we are not going to change any more because there are adjustments in every game. Sometimes we play the same starting XI but using players in different positions.

“Usually it is a good sign, symptomatically it is good that we are repeating the same XI; fortunately or unfortunately for me it is another headache.

A STRANGE SEASON

Since his breakthrough season with Nigeria Premier Football League Club Akwa United FC in 2020/2021, Ndah has enjoyed consistency in form and appearances reason the 2022/2023 season is a strange outcome for the Nigerian.

Olisa Ndah has played in only thirteen (13) league games plus four (cup) matches to total seventeen appearances this season due to injury.

During this time, Ndah missed a potential January transfer to Italian Serie A club Sassuolo and also a Nigeria Super Eagles call-up in November.

With five games to the end of the South Africa PSL season plus cup few Nedbank Cup games to go, Ndah`s fans may not see any or much action from the dreadlocked defence ace this season.

As quoted by KICKOFF, the defender feels the frustration of spending such a long spell on the treatment table,  ” Its frustrating but is part of the game, ” Ndah said

” I just have to embrace it. Sometimes you feel down. You dont want to be on the sidelines injured. It is different to when you are training and not playing. When you`re down and not doing what you enjoy doing its difficult.”

” But i thank God for my family and the club (Orlando Pirates). They have been supportive and helped me stay focused and I am just grateful for that. ” he concluded.

WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING ABOUT OLISA NDAH`S ABSCENCE

Ndah`s fans have taken to social media with messages over how they feel about his absence.

SILE BUCSPRINCESS DUMA :” Relaxation we need u well rested n fit

TOKZEN MAJOLA ” We need u on a field of play,Rastahman”

CELEMUSA HADEBE ” Bring back Olisa ”

LWANDO MHLAHLO RWAYI DEEBLAH ” I’m tired  watching Orlando pirates without you Olisanda come back now it’s been long time ”

Añthöñy Lïñgârd Kîbïñyê ” Come back to the field  man “