Orlando Pirates’ Abdeslam Ouaddou gives injury update on Nduli and Xoki

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has confirmed that two of the club’s key players, Sihle Nduli and Thapelo Xoki, are unlikely to feature again this season as they continue long-term rehabilitation.

Nduli, a midfielder signed from Stellenbosch during the off-season, has not played since November 2025 after sustaining a foot injury in a league match against Golden Arrows in Durban.

Xoki, a defender, has yet to make an appearance this season following a serious car accident last August on the R21 motorway, which also injured members of the coaching staff, including Ouaddou and goalkeeping coach Tyron Damons.

“Nduli is doing well, he’s currently in rehabilitation,” Ouaddou said. “It’s very important to stay close to this type of player, not just him, but Thapelo Xoki as well.

They are key players for us, experienced players who are doing well and are starting to return to the field.”

The coach added that while both players are on the right track, predicting their return before the season’s end is difficult due to the severity of their injuries. “The most important thing is for them to have a very good rehabilitation so they come back stronger,” he noted.

With the league campaign entering a crucial phase, Pirates are focusing on their upcoming match against Richards Bay FC at the sold-out Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Friday.

Ouaddou emphasized the need for squad rotation to preserve players’ fitness and stressed the long-term goal: “To win the championship, you have to be smart because it’s a marathon. We have to be very shrewd in how we manage our players.”

The club will now rely on the remaining squad members as they navigate the final stretch of the season, balancing immediate results with player recovery.