Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has given his verdict on Olisa Ndah’s return after being on the sidelines for quite some time.
Ndah was brought on to replace the injured Nkosinathi Sibisi in the 34th minute of the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night.
This was the first game of the Nigerian international in Pirates colours this season. Ndah had last played for Bucs seven months ago in the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs.
Last campaign, Ndah made 17 appearances in all competitions for the Buccaneers under the tutelage of Jose Riveiro.
Ndah played 86 minutes in the final match against Masandawana after replacing Sibisi. One can say the former Golden Arrows defender has bad luck when it comes to cup final matches. In the last term, he got injured in the first minute of the MTN8 final when they faced AmaZulu following a tackle by Gabadinho Mhango.
And again, Sibisi had to be taken out of the 2023 Nedbank Cup final after breaking his nose.
JOSE RIVEIRO ON OLISA NDAH REPLACING SIBISI
“It was a difficult moment. We played three finals and had to substitute Sibisi after one minute of the game. Today again 20 minutes into the game if I’m not mistaken,” said Riveiro.
“In the Nedbank Cup final, he broke his nose. It happened again the last season with only Paseka Mako on the bench. Today, was pretty much the same with only Olisa Ndah to play in that position.
“Paseka couldn’t train during the whole week, only yesterday he managed to train with the team.”
Riveiro revealed that he was happy to have Ndah, as he was the only player who could replace Sibisi.
“We lost Sibisi but we had Ndah on the bench and you can see his level he [Ndah] was ready. Obviously, we have worked on many position doubts during the week because it’s been a long period for Olisa being out of the field,” he added.
“He came back against Chiefs and didn’t finish the way we wanted and after that he got injury again.
“But we were working a lot with him to be ready for this game. He is finally fully fit and ready to perform.”
The 44-year-old coach continued: “We knew at some point that he is going to be needed in the game, but not that aerially. Like I said, once Olisa is in the field we wouldn’t be afraid because we had Bandile Shandu and Deon Hotto in that role.
“You know, when everybody is focused and fully concentrated to the task they can perform well.”
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