Mamelodi Sundowns transfer news: Two key reasons behind interest in Olisa Ndah

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South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns are exploring a move for Super Eagles defender Olisa Ndah on a free transfer this summer, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigerian centre-back became a free agent at the end of last season after his contract with Stellenbosch expired. Ndah joined the club during the second half of the campaign following the termination of his contract with Orlando Pirates.

His five-year spell at Orlando Pirates came to an end after he gradually fell out of favour and lost his place in the team.

With his future still unresolved, questions have surrounded where the 27-year-old will play next season as he looks to get his career back on track after a difficult period.

Super Eagles titan Olisa Ndah the MVP as Orlando Pirates consolidate brilliant league start
Olisa Ndah. Photo by IMAGO

However, reports indicate that Mamelodi Sundowns are pushing to complete a deal quickly, having identified Ndah as one of their priority defensive targets. Given his profile and experience, it is easy to understand why the South African champions are keen to secure his signature.

Experience in the South African league

Since moving to South Africa in 2021, Ndah has built up valuable experience in the Premier Soccer League through his spells with Orlando Pirates and more recently, Stellenbosch.

He made seven league appearances for Stellenbosch during the second half of last season after arriving midway through the campaign.

That experience makes him an attractive option for Sundowns because he already understands the demands of the league. Unlike a player arriving from abroad, Ndah would require little time to settle into a new environment.

Mamelodi Sundowns target Olisa Ndah
Olisa Ndah. Photo by Imago-Shengolpixs-Victor Modo Copyright: xVictorxModox

He is familiar with the clubs, stadiums, travelling demands and overall style of football in South Africa, which should allow him to adapt quickly to Sundowns’ system.

That is one of the key reasons behind the club’s interest, as they believe he can make an immediate impact without needing a lengthy adaptation period.

Squad depth for Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns enjoyed continental success last season by winning the CAF Champions League, defeating Moroccan side AS FAR over two legs in the final.

Despite that achievement, they fell short in the league title race as Orlando Pirates ended Sundowns’ eight-year dominance of the South African top flight.

One of the major factors behind that disappointment was the lack of depth in certain areas of the squad. Injuries and a demanding schedule across domestic and continental competitions stretched the team at crucial stages of the season.

Signing Ndah would give Mamelodi Sundowns another reliable defensive option capable of stepping into the starting lineup whenever required. His experience would also provide added leadership at the back, helping the club cope better with the demands of competing on multiple fronts.

Olisa Ndah and Raphael Onyedika
Olisa Ndah and Raphael Onyedika. Photo by Victor Ihechi Copyright: xGOALSBYVICTOR_2024x

The fact that he is available as a free agent only makes the deal even more appealing from a financial perspective.

If negotiations progress as expected and an agreement is reached, the Super Eagles defender could become a Mamelodi Sundowns player in the coming days.

<!-- Author Start -->Ayomide Oguntimehin<!-- Author End -->

Ayomide Oguntimehin

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Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng & Afrik Foot. Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, Topmercato, and Milan News24, among others. He holds a master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X: @ayo_oguntimehin.