Orlando Pirates midfielder Sihle Nduli ruled out for four months after serious injury setback

Orlando Pirates midfielder Sihle Nduli has been dealt a major injury setback after the club confirmed that he will spend approximately four months on the sidelines.

The 30-year-old suffered the injury during Pirates’ 1-1 draw against AmaZulu on Wednesday at Kings Park Stadium, where he was forced off the pitch on a stretcher following a heavy challenge.

Nduli had only recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, making the latest setback particularly frustrating for the midfielder and the Buccaneers.

The challenge involved AmaZulu forward Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, who was shown a yellow card for the incident. Nduli immediately required medical attention before being stretchered from the field.

Following further examinations by the Orlando Pirates medical team, the full extent of the injury has now been confirmed.

“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,” Orlando Pirates said in an official team update.

The club had earlier confirmed that the midfielder sustained a significant ankle injury after being forced off following the heavy challenge.

The injury means Nduli is set to miss a substantial portion of Pirates’ campaign, with his absence coming at an unfortunate time for the Soweto giants.

Pirates will now have to cope without the midfielder as they continue their domestic campaign, while Nduli begins another lengthy rehabilitation process.

The setback is particularly cruel given that the midfielder had only just returned to action after spending more than six months recovering from a previous ligament injury.

AmaZulu forward Ngwenya has since expressed regret over the incident and reached out to Nduli following the tackle, offering an apology to the Pirates midfielder.

For Orlando Pirates, Nduli’s absence represents another challenge as they look to maintain their momentum. The club will hope that the midfielder makes a full recovery and returns stronger when his rehabilitation is complete.