Ouaddou Expresses Optimism About Injured Ndah
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has expressed happiness about seeing his defender Olisa Ndah in the dressing room and on the pitch during Friday’s training session ahead of the CAF Champions League match on Saturday.
Ndah has been out injured for a long time and has yet to play under Ouaddou’s guidance this season.
The Nigerian defender last played last season during the first round of the league, where he played only two league games, and also played three games in the MTN8 Cup, helping the Buccaneers win their MTN8 title for the third time in a row and scoring one goal.
The 27-year-old formed a great combination at the back with Thabiso Sesane last year, but unfortunately, the latter too suffered a long-term injury that has kept him sidelined even this season.
Despite his absence, Ouaddou is optimistic about Ndah’s return to full fitness.
“What I can tell you is that I’m very happy to see him in the dressing room today [Friday] and to be on the pitch as he was playing today,” Ouaddou said.
“Yes, for a few weeks, he was making some treatments, and this kind of player you have to be careful as a coach.”
Ouaddou explained that he cannot take risks with Ndah’s injury, and he has other defenders he is happy with, including captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Lebone Seema, and Ndah himself when he is fully fit.
“I cannot take a risk with this kind of player, so I have a lot of defenders of which I’m very happy with, the likes of captain Sibisi, Mbokazi, Seema, Ndah, and all other defenders,” he added.
“So, yes, we’re expecting him to come back because I’m sure as time goes on he will be 100% fit. But for now, I don’t think he is 100% fit, and I think he will bring his stone for the building to help us.”
The Buccaneers will face Lesotho giants Lioli at Orlando Stadium on Saturday in the second leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round.
They will be looking to build on their 3-0 win in the first leg at Toyota Stadium last Saturday, which gave them a significant advantage ahead of the second leg.
