Ouaddou Delighted By Return Of Ndah And Makhaula
Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou is facing a welcome selection headache following the return of defender Olisa Ndah and midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula.
He says it is a situation he is pleased about, especially with several big matches on the horizon.
Pirates moved to the joint top of the Betway Premiership after beating Chippa United 2-0 at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday, and they were further boosted by the return of Nigerian international Ndah, who had been sidelined for more than a year with a tibia and fibula fracture, according to Transfermarkt.
Ndah was an unused substitute, but Makhaula — last season’s PSL Midfielder of the Season — made his long-awaited return, replacing Thalente Mbatha just after the hour mark to raucous applause from the supporters.
Makhaula’s introduction sparked a huge reaction from the fans, who filled the stadium despite the rainy weather, as the veteran midfielder has long been admired for his tireless work in the middle of the park.
“I’m a happy coach,” Ouaddou said.
“When you have all these big names coming back and increasing the team’s depth, I know it makes it difficult for me to make choices. But I would rather have the problem of choosing players than not have enough players at all.
“Speaking about these players — Ndah and Makhaula — I want to thank our medical department. When someone is injured for a long time, you have to work with them physically and mentally, and the medical team did a fantastic job to get him [Makhaula] ready for the match.
“With Cash [Makhaula], for the past three weeks, every morning he has come to see me. He would squeeze my hand firmly and say, ‘Coach, I am here and ready.’
“He made me feel like he was truly back. I’m happy to see him on the pitch again, and you could feel the love he received from the fans when he came on — they were very happy.
“Ndah is also returning from a long injury, and it’s very important for a player to feel the ball again and feel part of the group. That gives you even more motivation to come back.”
Pirates, who have a game in hand over Mamelodi Sundowns with both teams tied on 25 points, will move to the top of the Betway Premiership if they beat Durban City at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The Buccaneers are chasing their first league title since the 2011/12 season.
