Makaab Explains Why Ndah Left Pirates
Legendary football agent Mike Makaab has confirmed that Olisa Ndah and Orlando Pirates mutually parted ways due to the defender not being assured of regular game time.
Makaab explained that, with no guarantees over minutes on the pitch, they informed Pirates of their decision to seek a termination of the contract. Both parties agreed to the move, allowing the Nigerian international – who is highly regarded by the club and its supporters – to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
He added that the decision was made with great sadness, stressing that the next step in Ndah’s career will be crucial.
As the termination was finalised before the close of the January transfer window, Ndah is free to join another club. However, his departure has left a sour taste among Pirates fans, who had grown fond of the defender.
The decision also came as a surprise, especially with Pirates having lost Mbekezeli Mbokazi, while Thabiso Sesane is still being carefully managed following an ACL injury.
“I can categorically state that, up until Monday this week, I was fully engaged with Orlando Pirates and Olisa Ndah in working on a new deal for the player,” Makaab said on Extra Time with Gagasi FM on Friday.
“But in all fairness to the club and to Olisa, the most important thing was for us to understand the situation regarding game time.
“You must understand Olisa hasn’t played many minutes over the last season. For him, as a football player, it’s absolutely vital that he plays games.
“No football club can guarantee that. Orlando Pirates were incredibly honest and open about the situation. Once both parties had heard each other out, I spoke to Olisa, and we felt that, for the benefit of him as a player, and to be fair to the club, a mutual termination was the best option.
“We requested that the club consider this and had a long discussion with the chairman, Irvin Khoza. Once we understood the club’s view on Olisa’s future, we came to an agreement, and it was finalised on Thursday.
“It happened on the last day of the transfer window. We were still in discussions on Wednesday, but the termination was completed on deadline day.
“This had absolutely nothing to do with financial terms. It was purely about Olisa wanting game time.
“He’s 28 years old, and what he cannot afford is another season without regular football – not through Pirates’ fault at all, because the club has been incredibly supportive throughout this situation.”
Ndah, who joined Pirates ahead of the 2021/22 season from Akwa United in Nigeria, was sidelined by a long-term injury he suffered against Polokwane City in October 2024.
However, he made his return when Pirates defeated the Carling All-Stars at Moses Mabhida Stadium last month, leading many to believe he was ready for the second half of the season.
“They’ve given him the best possible medical treatment and psychological support,” Makaab continued.
“They’ve done everything in their power to bring Olisa back. We were thankful to see him play a full 90 minutes against the Carling All-Star team.
“At this stage, we don’t yet know what’s next. We haven’t formally engaged with any clubs. We’ll sit down, think carefully about the next step, and probably start looking at opportunities next week.”
Looking ahead, Makaab said Ndah’s future will be decided collectively.
“It depends on what we believe as a group – Olisa, his family, and us as a company. His father is a former professional footballer, so we’ll decide together what the best next step is,” he said.
“He’s 28, and this is a very important move in his life. We hope he can return to the Olisa Ndah we all know – one of the best, most reliable central defenders on the continent.
“There is absolute love for Orlando Pirates. There was genuine sadness and disappointment when this decision was finally made.
“The next step is vital. Whether it’s in South Africa, elsewhere on the continent, or abroad, it will be an important stepping stone in the next phase of his career.”
