Despite a challenging and injury-disrupted season, Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah remains firmly in the club’s plans ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, the Siya crew has been informed.
Ndah, 27, managed only nine appearances across all competitions this season, with his progress halted by injury after a promising start to the campaign.
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Having returned to training during the second half of the season, his recovery was unfortunately stalled by a re-aggravated injury sustained in a friendly match, a setback Pirates confirmed in April.
While the Buccaneers are expected to undergo a squad shake-up, including making difficult decisions on several senior players whose contracts are expiring – notably Innocent Maela and Miguel Timm, whose deals are not expected to be renewed – sources have indicated that Ndah’s position at the club is not under threat.
“He (Ndah) is part of the big plans for the club,” a source close to the team revealed to Soccer Laduma. “Remember, he was even made captain at the start of the season and was doing well both in terms of performances and leadership. He was destined for a great campaign, but injuries got in the way.”
The source added, “He’s done well in his recovery and should be back fully fit for pre-season. With Pirates pushing to compete for the league again and return to CAF Champions League football, he is part of the core group, along with the likes of (Nkosinathi) Sibisi, TLB (Mbekezeli Mbokazi), and (Thabiso) Sesane.”
Ndah joined the Soweto giants in 2021 from Akwa United in Nigeria and quickly established himself as a key figure in the defence.
His composure on the ball, aerial strength, and leadership qualities made him an integral part of the squad.
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With a contract running until June 2026, the towering Nigerian remains an asset for Pirates, who are expected to strengthen key areas of the squad but will also look to retain a solid defensive foundation heading into a busy new season.
As the Buccaneers prepare for pre-season, all eyes will be on Ndah’s recovery and how he reintegrates into a backline that is expected to play a pivotal role in the club’s domestic and continental ambitions.
