
Makhehlene Makhaula. Photo credit: Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates have issued an injury update concerning three key first-team players—Sihle Nduli, Olisa Ndah, and Makhehlene Makhaula—as the team prepares for its return to Betway Premiership action against Chippa United on Tuesday.
The Soweto giants are scheduled to play their first competitive fixture in over two weeks, having been inactive during the FIFA international window and having sat out last weekend due to their early exit from the CAF Champions League. Their scheduled Premiership encounter against Chippa United was subsequently moved to November 25th.
Pirates will host the Chilli Boys at Orlando Stadium, aiming for a crucial three points to maintain pressure in the title race and narrow the gap on current log leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns. The Buccaneers currently sit on 22 points from 10 matches, trailing Sundowns, who hold 25 points after playing 12 games.
The encounter will kick off at 7:30 PM (SAST), and a win will see them go level on points with leaders, Sundowns
Prior to the international break, Pirates were enjoying a strong run of form that culminated in securing a spot in the Carling Knockout Cup final, where they are set to face Marumo Gallants on December 6th at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇_𝐃𝐀𝐘
🆚 @ChippaUnitedFC
🗓 Tuesday,25 November 2025
🎟 https://t.co/sh0SsAsW5R
⏰ 19H30
🏟 Orlando Stadium
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— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) November 25, 2025
In the build-up to the crucial mid-week fixture, the club confirmed positive developments regarding the fitness of the injured trio.
The update, published on the club’s official channels, indicates that defenders Ndah and Makhaula, and midfielder Nduli, are nearing a return to full availability.
Nduli sustained a knock a few weeks ago during a league match against Golden Arrows, which caused him to miss the recent Carling Knockout semi-final against Richards Bay.
More significant is the impending return of Olisa Ndah and Makhehlene Makhaula, who have yet to make an appearance this season after sustaining injuries during the previous campaign.
“With a proud record to uphold, Pirates now have a struggling Chippa in their sights as they look to initiate a strong finish to the year,” the club stated. “They could soon be boosted by the return of midfielder Sihle Nduli… while Olisa Ndah and Makhehlene Makhaula both inch closer to featuring for the first time this season.”