Pirates blow: Ouaddou confirms season-over for Sihle Nduli

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has delivered a significant blow to the club’s title aspirations, confirming that midfield anchor Sihle Nduli has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.

The talented midfielder, who joined the Buccaneers on a free transfer from Stellenbosch FC in July 2025, has been sidelined since the first half of the campaign following a severe injury setback. Despite a promising start to life in Gauteng, Nduli’s debut season at Mayfair has been prematurely cut short.

Prior to his injury, Ndulu had quickly established himself as a mainstay in Ouaddou’s starting XI, making 18 appearances across all competitions and playing a pivotal role in Pirates’ double cup success—clinching both the 2025 MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup.

LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY FOR PIRATES’ SIHLE NDULI

𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗠𝗜𝗗𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗟𝗗 𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗪 🚨

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has confirmed that Sihle Nduli is ruled out for the remainder of the season.

A massive loss for the Sea Robbers as they chase the league title. 🏴‍☠️

🔗Full story: https://t.co/V6WPKpV7jv pic.twitter.com/p4EwvkuRAv

— Pan-Africa Football (@PanAfricaFooty) April 12, 2026

Speaking on the player’s progress, the former Marumo Gallants mentor noted that while Nduli has returned to the grass, a competitive return before the final whistle of the season is off the table.

“Sihle Nduli is coming back step by step; he is currently in rehabilitation. We can see that he is starting to jog,” Ouaddou confirmed. “It is good news for us to see him on the pitch at least, because we saw him in the treatment room most of the time.”

However, the Moroccan tactician was realistic about the timeline, emphasising the need for caution with long-term injuries.

“I don’t think he will return before the end of the season because this injury requires thorough rehabilitation,” he added.

MIDFIELD DEPTH TESTED

Nduli’s absence comes at a critical juncture as the Sea Robbers continue to chase Mamelodi Sundowns for the league title. His commanding presence in the “engine room” served as the defensive screen that allowed Pirates’ more creative talents to flourish during their early-season trophy haul.

With Nduli officially out, Ouaddou will have to continue relying on his squad depth to maintain the momentum that has seen the club net 11 goals in their last two outings.

The focus for the 26-year-old midfielder now shifts entirely to a full pre-season return for the 2026/27 campaign.