Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says Sihle Nduli will be back “soon” as the injured midfielder returns to train with the rest of the Buccaneers squad ahead of the MTN8 final.
Briefing the media at the Orlando Pirates media open day at Rand Stadium on Monday, Ouaddou expressed delight at seeing the former Stellenbosch star back on the pitch. The midfielder was spotted participating in drills normally, with the rest of his teammates during the 15 minutes allocated to the media to cover the training session.
The development comes as the Soweto giants are preparing for Saturday’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Pirates are bidding for a fifth consecutive MTN8 title, having already made history by clinching it four times in a row.
Victory over Sundowns on Saturday would mark Pirates’ 15th top eight crown, pulling them level with Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs as the joint-most successful club in the competition’s history. However, the Buccaneers must first overcome a formidable Masandawana side seeking their fifth title and their first since 2021.
ABDESLAM OUADDOU WITH THE LATEST ON SIHLE NDULI RECOVERY
Nduli’s injury setback came in his first game back after a long injury lay-off. He was injured during a Betway Premiership match against AmaZulu FC on August 12.
This was after a horror tackle on him by Usuthu striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya. It was his first competitive match since November 2025.
While Ngwenya’s challenge looked crude and Nduli’s ankle appeared broken, there were fears the midfielder could be sidelined for a long time. But his return to the pitch has been quick, which naturally excites Ouaddou.
“Sihle Nduli, first of all, we are happy to see him back on the pitch. He is in the process of rehabilitation, and I think soon you will be able to see him,” Ouaddou told journalists.
“But I still need a couple of weeks with the performance department and the medical department. But the good news is that step by step he is coming back on the field.”
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