Orlando Pirates dealt major blow as Sihle Nduli faces four-month injury absence

Orlando Pirates will be without midfielder Sihle Nduli for approximately four months after he suffered a Grade 3 ligament tear in his ankle.

The 30-year-old was injured during Pirates’ 1-1 draw against AmaZulu FC at Kings Park Stadium in midweek and was taken from the field on a stretcher following a heavy challenge from Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya.

The injury rules Nduli out for the remainder of the year, leaving Orlando Pirates without an experienced midfield option as they continue their Betway Premiership campaign.

The club confirmed the extent of the problem before their meeting with Chippa United, which is also being played at Kings Park Stadium.

“Following a 1-1 draw against AmaZulu in midweek at the Kings Park Stadium, Orlando Pirates return to action this afternoon as they take on Chippa United at the same venue,” the club announed on their website.

“The Buccaneers will, however, head into the encounter without midfielder Sihle Nduli, who sustained a significant ankle injury during the clash against Usuthu.

“The 30-year-old was forced off during the match following a heavy challenge and, after further assessment by the Club’s medical team, has been ruled out for an extended period.

“Nduli is expected to be sidelined for approximately four months after suffering a Grade 3 ligament tear, effectively ruling him out of action for the remainder of the year.”

Nduli’s absence adds to the concerns for Orlando Pirates ahead of the Chippa United fixture. He was unable to continue against AmaZulu after the challenge and required further assessment by the club’s medical team before the length of his lay-off was established.

A Grade 3 ligament tear represents the most serious classification of the injury and, in Nduli’s case, means he is expected to spend the next four months on the sidelines. The club’s announcement therefore confirms that he will not return to competitive action before the end of the year.

Orlando Pirates will also be without striker Andre de Jong for Sunday’s clash against Chippa United. De Jong has been ruled out with a quad strain, giving the club a second confirmed injury absence for the fixture.

The Pirates squad had already seen Nduli leave the field during the 1-1 draw with AmaZulu, with the midfielder’s injury becoming a significant part of the aftermath of the match. The subsequent medical assessment has now provided a clearer indication of the period he will miss.

Pirates’ immediate focus is the Betway Premiership encounter with Chippa United at Kings Park Stadium, but the longer-term impact of Nduli’s injury is likely to be felt beyond that match. His four-month absence means Orlando Pirates must plan without him for the rest of the year, while De Jong’s quad strain further limits their available options for Sunday.