Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shared his view on the return of senior players Makhehlene Makhaula and Olisa Ndah from injuries.
The two stars returned to the matchday squad in the Betway Premiership clash against Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday. Pirates claimed an important 2-0 victory over the Chilli Boys to move level on 25 points with table toppers Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers defeated Chippa thanks to goals from Evidence Makgopa and Oswin Appollis, who both came on as second-half substitutes.
In a clash against the Gqeberha-based side, Pirates welcomed midfielder Makhaula and defender Ndah after the duo recovered from their respective injuries. Ndah and Makhaula missed most parts of the first round of the 2025/26 season, and they could play a major role in the club going forward. The former AmaZulu FC captain featured for the first time from the bench this season, while Ndah was an unused substitute.
PIRATES COACH PRAISES THE CLUB MEDICAL DEPARTMENT FOR THE RETURN OF NDAH AND MAKHAULA
Ouaddou has praised the Pirates’ medical department for the return of Ndah and Makhaula, revealing that he’s a happy coach to have all his big-name players available.
“I’m a happy coach, you know, when you have all these big names coming back and growing the number in your team, I know it’s difficult to choose players, but I prefer to be in trouble selecting players than not have players,” Ouaddou said.
“But speaking about these players, Ndah and Makhaula, I just want to thank our medical department because when someone is injured for a long time, you need to work with him mentally.
“They did a fantastic job in order to be able to use them. About Makhaula, it’s been three weeks now. When he comes to training in the morning, he squeezes my hand very hard to tell me that he’s ready.
“So he’s making me feel that he’s back. I’m happy to see him on the pitch, and you can feel the love that he has from the fans when he comes on.
“Ndah is also coming, I’m happy because he had a long injury, so it’s very important for the player to feel the ball and be with the group; it gives you motivation to come back, and I’m happy for them.”
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