Ouaddou provides Nduli injury update before Pirates’ Champions League decider

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says Sihle Nduli remains sidelined after suffering a serious injury, but the club’s overall medical situation is beginning to improve before their CAF Champions League meeting with La Cure Waves.

Ouaddou was speaking at a media briefing at the Orlando Amstel Arena as Pirates completed their preparations for the second leg of their second CAF Champions League preliminary round tie against the Mauritian champions.

The Buccaneers were held to a 0-0 draw by La Cure Waves in the first leg in Port Louis last weekend, leaving the tie delicately balanced ahead of the return fixture in Orlando.

Nduli has been unavailable since sustaining his injury during Pirates’ league match against AmaZulu. The midfielder’s recovery is taking time, with Ouaddou acknowledging that the club will need to remain patient before he can return to action.

“Yes, I think you remember that we had Nduli that had a big injury. He’s out, you know, during the game of AmaZulu,” Ouaddou told reporters.

“We hope to receive him as soon as possible.”

The Pirates manager also offered more positive news on the rest of the squad, saying the number of players receiving treatment is reducing as members of the squad continue their rehabilitation programmes.

“At the same time, I think the medical room is starting to be empty. And it’s good news,” he said.

“And most of the players are now in rehabilitation. It’s just the phase before coming with the team.”

Although Nduli will not be available as Pirates seek to progress in the CAF Champions League, Ouaddou’s update indicates that other injured players are moving closer to a return to full team training.

For now, Pirates must prepare for a match in which they need to find a way past La Cure Waves after failing to score in the opening encounter. The result in Port Louis means the Orlando contest will determine which side advances from the preliminary-round tie.

The club’s improving injury situation could provide Ouaddou with greater selection options later in the season, but Nduli’s absence remains an immediate concern as Pirates face the decisive second leg.