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Why Olisa Ndah’s move to Sassuolo fell through

Top agent Mike Makaab has confirmed interest in Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah from Italian giants Sassuolo.

Ndah has been one of the top performers for Pirates since joining the club at the start of the 2021/22 DStv Premiership season.

The Nigerian was signed from Akwa United after helping the team clinch their first-ever league title.

Ndah turned himself into a fan-favourite at Pirates because of his ambidextrous abilities and defending prowess.

OLISA NDAH’S AGENT REVEALS WHY THE MOVE COLLAPSED

He was reportedly on the wishlist of Sassuolo during the January transfer window.

His agent has now revealed why the move could not materialise. “There was an early interest in Olisa Ndah,” Makaab told FARPost.

“He [Ndah] sustained an injury at the same time as the interest that came from Italy,” added Makaab.

Ndah, who has been out of the Pirates match day squad since picking up an injury in January, made his long-awaited return to the team.

Olisa Ndah
Olisa Ndah

The Nigerian international came on as a second-half substitute during the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, 25th of February.

To his dismay, Ndah had an afternoon to forget for Pirates after scoring an own goal that saw Chiefs walk away with derby bragging rights.

In the current campaign, the 25-year-old defender has made 19 appearances in all competitions for Pirates.

WILL SASSUOLO RETURN FOR NDAH?

He also formed an integral part of the Pirates team that won the 2022 MTN8 final. Ndah faces stiff competition in the centre-back position at the Soweto giants.

Tapelo Xoki, Innocent Maela, Sandile Mthethwa, and Nkosinathi Sibisi are all fighting for the starting berth.

Having recovered from the injury setback that kept him out for two months. It remains to be seen whether Sassuolo will reignite their interest in Ndah in the next transfer window.

Meanwhile, Pirates have been struggling to find a consistent winning formula. Pirates have won nine games, drawing three and losing eight times in 21 games played.

RELATED STORY: It was a nightmare: Ndah describes failed Europe stint 

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