Mamelodi Sundowns transfer: Why Olisa Ndah failed to join PSL giants

Olisa Ndah’s proposed move to Mamelodi Sundowns has collapsed over a registration issue, with the Nigerian defender now set to pursue a move outside South Africa, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 28-year-old became a free agent after leaving Stellenbosch, having previously established himself as an important figure during his successful spell with Orlando Pirates.

Sundowns were subsequently linked with a move for the Super Eagles defender as they looked to strengthen their defensive options ahead of another demanding domestic and continental campaign.

The Brazilians’ interest was genuine, but the deal never progressed to completion after an issue surrounding Ndah’s registration emerged.

With the Sundowns opportunity now off the table, Ndah’s representatives have already begun working on an alternative, with Libya emerging as the defender’s likely next destination.

Why Olisa Ndah failed to join Mamelodi Sundowns

The stumbling block was Ndah’s registration status. Sundowns wanted to sign the defender but needed clarity over whether he could be registered without taking up one of the club’s foreign-player slots.

That requirement ultimately proved decisive and prevented the move from going ahead.

It is an unfortunate outcome for Ndah because the problem was not reportedly related to his quality or Sundowns’ willingness to bring him in. Instead, an administrative requirement effectively determined the fate of the transfer.

The situation also explains why the deal remained uncertain despite Sundowns’ interest.

Ndah’s agent, Mike Makaab, had previously confirmed that the African champions were interested but stressed that an agreement had not been reached.

“There’s initial interest from Mamelodi Sundowns in Olisa Ndah, but I can tell you that nothing is finalised,” Makaab told FARPost.

For Ndah, it represents another frustrating turn in a career that has been disrupted by injuries.

Why Sundowns made sense for Ndah

From a footballing perspective, the move would have been logical. Ndah knows the South African game after spending several years in the PSL, most notably with Pirates, where he became part of a team that won major domestic honours.

He also offers experience at the highest level of African club football, making him a potentially useful addition for a Sundowns side competing on multiple fronts.

The defender’s ability to read the game and his composure in possession further explain why he attracted interest from the champions, but his recent career illustrates why regular football should now be a priority.

After leaving Pirates, Ndah joined Stellenbosch in an attempt to revive his career but made only seven appearances for the club.

That limited involvement made the Sundowns opportunity particularly significant. A move to one of Africa’s biggest clubs could have given him another chance to establish himself at the top level.

Instead, the registration complication has forced him to look elsewhere.

Libya offers Ndah another opportunity

Makaab has now confirmed that Ndah is in talks with an unnamed Libyan club, with the player’s representatives hoping to complete the deal before the end of the week.

“Olisa Ndah is fit and ready for his new chapter to continue showcasing his talent. So at the moment we are working on a deal with a Libyan club, which I can’t disclose now,” Makaab told FARPost as revealed by Goal.

“We are hoping that the deal will be concluded by the end of this week.”

The move could offer Ndah the fresh start he needs. Rather than remaining without a club while waiting for another PSL opportunity, a move to Libya would give the Nigerian the chance to regain regular playing time and rebuild his reputation.

At 28, Ndah still has time to revive his career, but his next destination needs to provide stability after a difficult period.

The Sundowns move may have failed for reasons largely beyond his control. What Ndah does next, however, could determine whether that setback becomes another chapter of frustration or the starting point of his career revival.