Why Mamelodi Sundowns’ pursuit of Olisa Ndah might fail

Super Eagles defender Olisa Ndah has been linked with a transfer to former South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 28-year-old defender is currently a free agent after parting ways with South African Premier League club Stellenbosch.

Before that, the past two years were tough for the former Akwa United man, as he had to deal with multiple injury problems and a loss of form at Orlando Pirates.

However, this proposed move to Sundowns is a massive one for him, considering the club’s stature and Ndah’s recent struggles. If it happens, it will be a major boost for his career.

Reports from the South African media indicate that both parties have been in talks for a few weeks, but a major roadblock threatens the transfer.

Why Olisa Ndah May Not Make Mamelodi Sundowns Move

Reports suggest that both parties are keen to make the transfer happen. However, even though links emerged a few weeks ago, the deal is yet to be finalized.

The primary reason they have yet to seal the deal is the league’s regulations limiting the number of foreign players a club can register.

Each PSL club has a limit of five foreign players, and Sundowns already have five on their roster: Marcelo Allende, Arthur Sales, Brayan Leon, Miguel Reisinho, and Nuno Santos.

To make the deal happen, Mamelodi Sundowns would have to part ways with one of them. Of the five, Reisinho is the most likely to leave, having struggled with injuries and failed to secure consistent game time last season.

As of now, however, there are no credible talks of them selling any of these players. Alternatively, the deal could proceed if Ndah secures South African citizenship as soon as possible.

It takes five years of continuous permanent residence to become eligible for South African citizenship by naturalization. By next month, Ndah will have completed his five years, making him eligible to apply.

If Mamelodi Sundowns are involved in the process, the application will likely be fast-tracked so he can sign for the club.

Even so, this would mean Ndah misses the first few weeks of the campaign, given that the South African league kicks off on August 1.

It remains to be seen how the deal will eventually pan out.