{"id":18710,"date":"2025-07-28T16:48:45","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T14:48:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=18710"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:10:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:10:06","slug":"ndah-returns-for-orlando-pirates-mtn8-opener","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/ndah-returns-for-orlando-pirates-mtn8-opener\/","title":{"rendered":"Ndah Returns to Full Fitness for Orlando Pirates Ahead of MTN8 Opener"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Orlando Pirates centre-back Olisa Ndah has confirmed he\u2019s ready to return to competitive football after months on the sidelines with a lingering injury. The Nigerian international missed large parts of last season. He was notably absent during the team\u2019s pre-season tour in Spain. Ndah has now rejoined full training and declared himself fit for selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ndah\u2019s recovery brings a significant boost to the Buccaneers. They are preparing to launch their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/psl-announces-2025-psl-awards-nominees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MTN8<\/a> title defence this weekend against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-long-awaited-return-after-injury-frustrations\"><strong>Long-Awaited Return After Injury Frustrations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ndah&#8217;s time out due to a recurring injury left a noticeable void in the Pirates\u2019 backline. Now back in the mix, the 26-year-old is eager to make his mark once more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s been a tough journey, but I\u2019m finally back and feeling stronger than ever,\u201d he told <em>eNCA<\/em>. \u201cAfter being out for so long, it almost feels like I\u2019m debuting all over again. Just being back on the training ground with the guys is something I\u2019ve truly missed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Nigerian defender also opened up about his longing for matchday experiences. He expressed his desire to reconnect with the fans and the high-pressure moments of top-flight football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI missed everything \u2013 the noise, the intensity, the energy from the fans. I can\u2019t wait to experience that again. The MTN8 is just around the corner, and we\u2019re taking each day seriously as we prepare.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3110543073\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-eyes-on-a-historic-fourth-title\"><strong>Eyes on a Historic Fourth Title<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pirates are chasing an unprecedented fourth consecutive MTN8 title. Ndah is hungry to play his part in writing more history for the Soweto giants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe hunger never goes away,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a big club with big ambitions. I don\u2019t mind lifting that trophy again, the feeling is always special. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/var-finally-coming-to-the-psl-2025-26-season-confirms-minister-mckenzie\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">This season<\/a>, we\u2019re aiming for everything on offer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having already conquered the competition three years in a row, the Buccaneers are under pressure to maintain their grip on the coveted trophy. Their path begins against a determined Rise and Shine outfit. The team will be relying on both old and new faces to set the tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ouaddou-faces-first-test-in-the-dugout\"><strong>Ouaddou Faces First Test in the Dugout<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>All eyes will also be on newly appointed head coach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/orlando-pirates-future-under-abdeslam-ouaddou\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Abdeslam Ouaddou<\/a>, who faces his first official match in charge. The former Moroccan international steps into the role with considerable expectations. This follows the departure of Jose Riveiro, who led Pirates to MTN8 titles in his first two seasons before moving to Egyptian powerhouse Al-Ahly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Riveiro&#8217;s instant impact in 2022, lifting the trophy with a narrow win over AmaZulu, won over sceptics early. Now, Ouaddou finds himself in a similar position, hoping to earn buy-in from the supporters and set a strong precedent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s been muted optimism and some doubt surrounding his appointment, but the upcoming clash offers a golden chance to stamp his authority. A win this weekend could silence critics. It would also set a positive tone for the rest of the campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1841950040\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-buccaneers-gearing-up-for-a-big-season\"><strong>Buccaneers Gearing Up for a Big Season<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As the Pirates camp regains key players like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizen.co.za\/sport\/soccer\/local-soccer\/ndah-declares-hes-ready-for-pirates-return-after-injury-layoff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ndah<\/a> and embraces a new tactical direction under Ouaddou, there\u2019s a clear sense of purpose. With their sights firmly set on more silverware, the return of a commanding figure like Ndah couldn\u2019t be better timed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Supporters will be watching closely to see how the reinvigorated squad performs. They are eager to see whether their defensive general can pick up right where he left off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/orlando-pirates-home-and-away-football-kits-by-adidas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Orlando Pirates and Adidas Unveil the Official 2025\/26 Home and Away Kits<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Orlando Pirates centre-back Olisa Ndah has confirmed he\u2019s ready to return to competitive football after months on the sidelines with a lingering injury. The Nigerian international missed large parts of last season. He was notably absent during the team\u2019s pre-season tour in Spain. Ndah has now rejoined full training and declared himself fit for selection.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":18714,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Orlando Pirates centre-back Olisa Ndah has confirmed he\u2019s ready to return to competitive football after months on the sidelines with a lingering injury. The...","footnotes":""},"categories":[56,64],"tags":[10114,273,285],"class_list":{"0":"post-18710","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports","8":"category-sports-news","9":"tag-mtn8","10":"tag-orlando-pirates","11":"tag-psl-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18710","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18710"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18710\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18716,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18710\/revisions\/18716"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18714"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18710"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18710"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18710"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}