Olisa Ndah: What’s next after Pirates? Agent responds

There are lingering questions on whether star defender Olisa Ndah will stay in the Betway Premiership of South Africa after his mutual separation with Orlando Pirates.

After being sidelined by a long-term injury from last year and then limited game-time, the Nigerian and the Buccaneers reached a logical conclusion of parting ways on Thursday.

I have been bombarded with calls and messages. I’ll answer them on my ExtraTime show @gagasifm with Simtho Dladla tomorrow evening at 6pm https://t.co/F1zPtoMA2J

— Mike Makaab (@MikeMakaab) January 29, 2026

The exit of the Super Eagles centre-back was not about his lack of quality, but circumstantial. He was evidently just unfortunate that every time he seemed to be hitting the fast lane of his career, something would slow him down.

Therefore, while Ndah’s release from Pirates was greeted with shock, this could perhaps provide the 28-year-old an opportunity to start all over again in a new environment.

However, there are questions on whether the Nigerian would fancy joining the other Betway Premiership giants such as Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Ndah’s next destination after Pirates

One fan operating @Constitution First x.com handle asked players’ agent Mike Makaab via x.com hypothetically if there is a possibility of his client joining Sundowns.

“We will first speak to Olisa and then decide on the way forward,” the Prosport International boss responded via his handle @MikeMakaab.

Such a measured reply did not please another x.com follower Katlego Choshi. He wondered why Makaab was not coming clearly on Ndah.

In a response, the agent, who admits being bombarded with questions over the defender, said: “Be patient my brother.”

Ndah’s departure from Pirates brought the curtain down on a three-year stint that began promisingly in 2021.

Despite returning to fitness before the recent Africa Cup of Nations break, Ndah did not feature in a single competitive match for the Buccaneers in the current campaign, with his only run-out coming in the Carling Black Label Cup.

A promising Pirates spell disrupted by injury

Ndah joined Orlando Pirates in 2021 and initially made a strong impression, quickly becoming a key figure in the heart of defence. His composure on the ball, aerial ability, and positional discipline earned him praise and eventually placed him on the radar of the Nigerian national team setup.

However, injuries proved to be a major obstacle. A serious setback last year ruled him out for an extended period, halting his progress at a time when he appeared poised to cement his place as one of the league’s standout defenders.

Despite returning to full fitness before the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) break, Ndah found himself on the fringes of the squad. He did not feature in a single competitive match for Pirates during the current campaign, with his only appearance coming in the Carling Black Label Cup, a pre-season competition.

With competition for places intensifying and Pirates reshaping their squad, the decision to part ways was ultimately seen as mutually beneficial.

Olisa Ndah future after Orlando Pirates exit

Questions over his next destination

Ndah’s availability has naturally sparked speculation about his next move. The central question now is whether the Nigerian defender will remain in the Betway Premiership or seek opportunities elsewhere on the continent or abroad.

Several observers have questioned whether Ndah would consider joining Pirates’ traditional rivals, including Kaizer Chiefs or Mamelodi Sundowns, both of whom are known for their ambition and participation in continental competitions.

Such moves, however, are often complex. Beyond sporting considerations, factors such as fan sentiment, club rivalry, and long-term project stability play a role in determining whether a player is willing to cross traditional divides.

Olisa Ndah remains one of the most experienced defenders in the Betway Premiership, and his next move could significantly influence the league’s title dynamics.
The future of Olisa Ndah will be closely monitored as clubs assess his fitness, experience, and leadership qualities ahead of the next transfer window.

Olisa Ndah is now carefully weighing his options as he looks to revive his career after leaving Orlando Pirates.

Wherever he moves next, Olisa Ndah will be eager to prove that injuries have not diminished his quality and consistency.