Orlando Pirates midfielder Sihle Nduli ruled out for four months with ankle injury

Orlando Pirates midfielder Sihle Nduli is expected to miss approximately four months after suffering a Grade 3 ankle ligament tear against AmaZulu.

The 30-year-old was forced off after a heavy challenge during the match with AmaZulu, also known as Usuthu. Further assessment by the Pirates medical team confirmed the seriousness of the injury and ruled Nduli out for an extended period.

The setback is expected to keep the midfielder out for the remainder of the year, with a return to competitive football unlikely until next year.

Another lengthy spell on the sidelines

The injury represents a significant blow for Nduli, who had only recently returned to action after recovering from a previous injury that had kept him out for a lengthy period.

He had come back into coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s plans following that recovery, but will now begin another extended rehabilitation programme. Pirates must once again reorganise their midfield options while Nduli works towards making a full recovery.

The latest setback also adds to the list of players currently unavailable to the Soweto club. Thalente Mbatha missed Pirates’ recent match against AmaZulu, while Evidence Makgopa has not played for the club so far this season.

However, neither Mbatha’s nor Makgopa’s absence is related to Nduli’s ankle injury.

Pirates confirmed that Nduli’s ligament tear was sustained during the match, with the medical team’s subsequent evaluation establishing the anticipated length of his recovery. The club will now have to plan for the midfielder’s absence over the coming months.

Nduli’s return had offered Pirates another midfield option after his previous spell on the sidelines, but his latest injury means that opportunity has been cut short. The club will be without him for a substantial part of its campaign as he undergoes treatment and rehabilitation.

The estimated four-month recovery period means Nduli is not expected to resume competitive action until next year. For the immediate future, his focus will be on rehabilitation and regaining full fitness after suffering another serious injury setback.

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