Pirates provide major Olisa Ndah injury update and eight other players
PSL giants Orlando Pirates have provided an injury update on key defender Olisa Ndah and eight other stars ahead of their clash against Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup.
Pirates will host Magesi, a newly promoted side, in the Last 16 of the Carling Knockout Cup on Saturday, 19 October, at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Kickoff is at 3PM.
Ndah has been one of the key players for the Sea Robbers this season, leading from the back. With skipper Innocent Maela struggling for some playing time, Ndah was given the captain’s armband.
In the current 2024/25 campaign, Ndah has made nine appearances in all competitions. The talented centre-back has helped the Bucs to keep six cleansheets as they’re still unbeaten.
The Nigerian international suffered a tibia fracture in a 3-0 victory against Polokwane City FC in the league. The injury setback saw the 26-year-old miss the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC which Pirates won 3-1 most recently in Durban.
PIRATES INJURY UPDATE ON OLISA NDAH AND OTHER STARS
Pirates announced on Tuesday that Ndah’s injury will keep him out for the remainder of the year. The club will provide more information about his injury as it becomes available. Due to the location and severity of the injury, the decision on whether Ndah will need surgery is complex.
Meanwhile, Thalente Mbatha is continuing to recover from an injury he suffered in the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch. The injury led Mbatha to withdraw from Bafana Bafana for back-to-back 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Congo Brazzaville. The medical team are monitoring his progress, and he can be cleared this week to return to full training.
Right-back Bandile Shandu has recovered from a lengthy injury, which kept him on the sidelines for almost 11 months. He has started full training and played 35 minutes in a friendly match. Thapelo Xoki has also recovered from an injury he suffered towards the end of the season and has been cleared to return to full training.
Pirates returnee Goodman Mosele and striker Zakhele Lepasa are undergoing an intermediate rehabilitation phase. Mosele, who sustained an injury last season on loan at Chippa United, has started jogging, and the team has slowly introduced heavy-loaded weight training. As for Lepasa, he has started running and strength training after an injury he sustained last season in April.
Versatile right-footed player Thabiso Lebitso is recovering well from injury and has started running. The 32-year-old is scheduled to start plyometric training next week and will continue with external biokinetic training to improve strength in his hamstring and quadriceps.
As for centre-back Sandile Mthethwa, he sustained an abdominal muscle strain during training. Currently, he’s attending rehabilitation sessions with a visceral therapist that deals with this type of injuries. New goalkeeper Ethan Visagie from NC Professionals sustained a right ankle sprain during training. The medical team suggested post orthopaedic consultation and conservative treatment as strategy for his recovery.
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