Zwane apologises to Nduli after Pirates midfielder suffers another injury

AmaZulu FC coach Arthur Zwane has apologised to Orlando Pirates midfielder Sihle Nduli after the player was forced off with an injury during Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw between the two sides.

Nduli was making his first official appearance since returning from a lengthy injury lay-off when his comeback was halted by another knock at Kings Park Stadium.

The midfielder was involved in a challenge with AmaZulu centre-forward Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya and required treatment before being taken from the field on a stretcher.

The incident occurred during a Betway Premiership match in which AmaZulu FC and Orlando Pirates shared the points. Zwane said he was concerned by the manner of Nduli’s departure and expressed his hope that the player would recover quickly.

“On behalf of Ngwenya, once more, I would like to apologise to the player who was hurt – Nduli,” said Zwane.

The AmaZulu FC coach said Nduli was a player he greatly admired and explained that the injury was particularly worrying because the midfielder had only recently returned to action.

“He is one of the top players that I admire so much. And, when you see a player, I know he’s just got back from a long lay-off injury. Then, again, when he comes off the field, then we get worried because we want to see all our top players in the country on the field.

“Whether they’re playing for AmaZulu or Pirates or any other team. It doesn’t matter.

“All the top players that deserve to be seen on the field showcasing their talents. So, I wish him speedy recovery.”

Zwane had addressed the incident earlier in his post-match interview with SuperSport TV, offering a similar message of support for Nduli while acknowledging that Ngwenya could have handled the challenge better.

“Thando could’ve done much better there, we hope he [Nduli] will recover very quick,” he told SuperSport TV.

Nduli’s appearance against AmaZulu FC had marked an important return after his extended period on the sidelines. However, the Orlando Pirates midfielder was unable to complete the match after the challenge, leaving Zwane concerned for a player he believes should be available to showcase his ability.

The 1-1 result ensured that neither side claimed all three points in the Betway Premiership encounter, but the main focus after the final whistle was on Nduli’s latest injury setback and his recovery ahead.