Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is awaiting a definitive
medical update on the condition of midfielder Sihle Nduli, who picked up an
injury during the team’s 3-1 midweek victory over Golden Arrows.
Nduli was a standout performer before being substituted late in the Betway
Premiership match, a result that pushed the Soweto giants closer to the top
of the table. His withdrawal, however, raised concerns for the upcoming
Carling Knockout Cup semifinal against Richards Bay this Saturday.
Addressing the media in a pre-match press conference, Ouaddou provided a
cautious update, confirming that the player had not yet traveled with the
squad.
“To be honest, he is in Johannesburg now with our medical department,”
Ouaddou told reporters. “I would lie to you if I said I have all the
information. Right now, he is in assessment, and I hope this afternoon we
will have some information about our player.”
While Nduli’s status remains uncertain, the coach delivered positive news
regarding the return to full training of two key players: defender Olisa
Ndah and midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula.
“Makhaula and Ndah are in full training. They are training normally, and I
am very happy because they are two important players for us,” Ouaddou
stated.
He was quick to emphasize, however, that the club is taking a careful and
deliberate approach to reintegrating the duo. “When a player is coming from
an injury, there are many stages that you have to respect,” he explained.
“We are very careful with these players… We don’t want to take risks and
injure them again. So, they are doing well, but we are careful with them.”
