Pirates lose Sihle Nduli for four months with serious ankle injury

Orlando Pirates midfielder Sihle Nduli is expected to miss about four months after suffering a Grade 3 ligament tear in his ankle, ruling him out of competitive action for an extended period.

The 30-year-old was carried off on a stretcher during Pirates’ 1-1 draw against AmaZulu on Wednesday after sustaining the injury in a heavy challenge. The severity of the damage means Nduli is expected to miss the remainder of the year, while his return to action could come only in 2027.

Pirates confirmed the extent of the injury before their Betway Premiership meeting with Chippa United this afternoon, while also providing updates on Andre de Jong and Tshepang Moremi.

“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.

“Pirates will also be without Andre de Jong for this afternoon’s encounter. The midfielder has been ruled out after picking up a quad strain and will not be considered for selection against the Chilli Boys.

“Meanwhile, the Bucs medical team have shared some light regarding the availability of Tshepang Moremi.

“The Bafana Bafana international picked up a knock during the midweek encounter and will undergo a late fitness assessment before a final decision is made regarding his availability, ” the club said on its official website.

Nduli’s absence leaves Pirates without the midfielder for a significant period following the incident against AmaZulu. He was unable to continue after the challenge and required medical attention before being removed from the field.

The club has therefore confirmed that he will not be available for the immediate fixture against Chippa United. His injury is the most serious of the three issues outlined in Pirates’ update, with De Jong also ruled out of the match because of his quad strain.

Moremi’s situation remains less certain. The Bafana Bafana international sustained a knock in the same midweek match and will be assessed shortly before kick-off. Pirates will make a final decision on whether he can feature after that late fitness check.

The medical update comes as the Buccaneers prepare for another Betway Premiership fixture, but they must do so without Nduli and De Jong, while Moremi’s involvement remains dependent on his fitness assessment.

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