Orlando Pirates await medical assessment after Sihle Nduli injury setback

Orlando Pirates are waiting for further medical examinations on midfielder Sihle Nduli after he was forced off during their match against AmaZulu, raising fears that he could face another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Nduli was making his first official appearance since suffering an injury last season, with that setback also occurring in Durban. However, his return to competitive action ended prematurely when he picked up another injury against AmaZulu, who are also known as Usuthu.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said Nduli’s comeback in Durban had been viewed as a significant moment for the midfielder because of the connection with his previous injury. The player had spent a considerable period recovering before finally returning to action.

Ouaddou described the opportunity to restart his career in the same city as a “surprise gift” for Nduli, but admitted the midfielder’s latest injury had brought disappointment and uncertainty.

The club is now waiting for its medical team to complete a detailed assessment. Ouaddou said he was unable to provide a firm update on the severity of the problem, while making clear that everyone at Orlando Pirates hoped Nduli would not be ruled out for another extended period.

“We had to take him out because unfortunately he could not continue,” said Ouaddou.

“We wanted to give him a gift, you know, if you remember he was injured here in Durban.

“So, really it was a good surprise for him to restart here. And he got injured, we hope it’s not so bad. Now we are going to make some analysis, to go deep in the analysis and actually I cannot give you more update about that.

“We just have to make some exam and we will see. But really I hope that we didn’t lose him again.”

Nduli’s appearance against AmaZulu had represented an important step after his lengthy absence. His original injury, suffered during the previous season in Durban, had kept him away from official football until this match.

That return was therefore particularly meaningful for both the player and the club, with Ouaddou suggesting that beginning again in the city where Nduli had first been injured made the occasion even more special.

The midfielder was unable to complete the game, however, and Orlando Pirates must now wait for the results of the medical examinations before determining the extent of the latest problem. Until those assessments are completed, the club cannot say how long Nduli might be unavailable.

For now, Ouaddou’s main concern is that the injury is not serious enough to force Nduli into another prolonged recovery, only shortly after he had succeeded in returning to competitive football.