Orlando Pirates have parted company with Nigerian defender Olisa Ndah after contract talks collapsed over the issue of playing-time guarantees, bringing an unexpected end to his spell at the Soweto club.
The 28-year-old centre-back became a free agent on Thursday after reaching a mutual agreement with Pirates to terminate his contract, a decision finalised in the final hours of the winter transfer window.
The move came despite negotiations earlier in the week that had focused on extending his stay at the club.
Ndah’s agent, Mike Makaab, confirmed the development, explaining that the breakdown in talks was not related to finances or interest from another club, but rather to differing views on how the player would be managed for the remainder of the season.
According to Makaab, assurances over regular minutes were central to the discussions.
“I can categorically state that, until Monday, I was fully committed to working with Orlando Pirates and Olisa Ndah on a new contract,” explains Mike Makaab.
He added that the situation changed when the player’s camp sought clarity on Ndah’s role. The club, maintaining its long-standing policy, indicated it could not guarantee playing time, a position that ultimately proved incompatible with the defender’s needs at this stage of his career.
Ndah has only recently returned from a lengthy injury lay-off after sustaining a setback against Polokwane City in October 2024. While his recovery was carefully managed, the defender was keen to avoid another prolonged spell without competitive action.
“He’s 28, and what he can’t afford is another season without regular football,” his agent explained.
Although Ndah made an encouraging comeback last month, completing 90 minutes against the Carling All-Stars, both parties concluded that a clean break was the most practical solution.
The decision allows the player to seek a new challenge where he can play consistently, while enabling the club to plan without uncertainty.
His departure creates a notable gap in the Pirates’ defensive unit, already stretched by the exit of Mbekezeli Mbokazi and the cautious reintegration of Thabiso Sesane, who is continuing his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Since arriving from Akwa United in 2021, Ndah had established himself as a popular and reliable figure among supporters.
For now, the Nigerian defender remains without a new destination. No formal talks with other clubs have been confirmed, with the immediate focus on determining the next step in a career that now stands at a decisive crossroads.
