Orlando Pirates Key Midfielder Sihle Nduli Ruled Out for the Rest of the Season
Orlando Pirates have been dealt a significant blow after head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou confirmed that midfielder Sihle Nduli will miss the remainder of the 2025/26 season due to injury.
The defensive midfielder has been sidelined since sustaining a setback in the early stages of the campaign, and hopes of a return before the season’s conclusion have now been ruled out.
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Promising Debut Season Cut Short
Nduli joined Pirates at the start of the season after leaving Stellenbosch FC, opting for a new challenge in Gauteng following the expiry of his contract.
The former TS Galaxy player made an immediate impact, quickly becoming a regular starter and fan favourite thanks to his commanding presence in midfield.
Across all competitions, Nduli featured 18 times for the Buccaneers, playing a key role during the early months of the campaign.
Key Role in Early Silverware
Before his injury, Nduli was instrumental in Pirates’ successful cup run, helping the team secure both the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup titles.
His performances in the middle of the park added balance and stability, making his absence a major setback for the squad as the season progressed.
Coach Provides Injury Update
Ouaddou offered a cautious update on the midfielder’s recovery, noting that while progress is being made, a return to competitive action is unlikely this season.
“We are starting to see him back on the pitch step by step, which is encouraging,” the coach said.
However, he emphasised that the nature of the injury requires careful rehabilitation, ruling out any rushed comeback before the campaign ends.
Pirates Forced to Adapt
Nduli’s absence has added to a growing list of injury concerns for Pirates, forcing the technical team to reshuffle the squad during the second half of the season.
With several key players unavailable at different stages, the Buccaneers have had to rely on squad depth as they continue their domestic campaign without one of their standout midfield performers.
The post Orlando Pirates Key Midfielder Ruled Out for the Rest of the Season appeared first on iHarare News.
