Nduli Injury Update: Ouaddou And Zwane React To Controversial Challenge
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was left hoping midfielder Sihle Nduli will not face another prolonged spell on the sidelines after suffering a severe injury during Wednesday’s 1–1 Betway Premiership draw against AmaZulu at Kings Park Stadium.
Nduli was stretchered off in the first half following a heavy challenge from AmaZulu striker Thando Ngwenya.
Despite being positioned close to the incident, referee Luxolo Badi opted to issue only a yellow card rather than a red.
To compound Pirates’ frustration, Ngwenya later converted a first-half stoppage-time penalty to earn Usuthu a point and extend Pirates’ unbeaten run in Durban against Usuthu to 18 home matches.
“We had to take him off because, unfortunately, he could not continue,” Ouaddou said after the match.
“We wanted to give him a gift by playing him in this game.”
The injury carries an unfortunate sense of irony for Nduli, who suffered a season-ending injury in Durban against Golden Arrows last November, forcing him to miss 20 league fixtures.
“If you remember, he was injured here in Durban. Really, it was a good surprise for him to restart here,” rued Ouaddou.
“And he got injured; we hope it’s not so bad. Now, we are going to make some analysis to go deeper. I actually cannot give you more updates about that. We just have to make an examination, and we will see after that. But I really hope he won’t lose him for long again.”
Nduli, who joined Pirates from Stellenbosch at the start of last season, also received words of encouragement from AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane, who expressed his sympathy after the match.
“I would like to apologise [on behalf of the AmaZulu] to the player that was hurt, which is Nduli,” said Zwane.
“One of the top players that I admire so much. When you see a player and just go back from a long-layoff injury and again, he comes off the field; you get worried.
“We want to see all our top players in the country, whether they are playing for AmaZulu or Pirates, or any other team, it doesn’t matter.
“All the top players have to be seen on the field and showcase their talent. So, I wish him a speedy recovery.”
