Mamelodi Sundowns Transfer News: Latest on Ndah’s move to Masandawana

As initially confirmed, Mamelodi Sundowns are keen on landing Nigeria international and former Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah.

The towering centre-back was a shock release by the Premier Soccer League champions in January. He was then signed on a short-term deal by Gavin Hunt-led Kaizer Chiefs, before leaving at the end of the 2026/27 campaign.

Ndah is one of the most experienced Premier Soccer League players, having spent five seasons with the Sea Robbers and made more than 81 appearances across all competitions. The Super Eagles defender further won four MTN8 titles while with the Soweto giants.

Masandawana are keen on having experienced players at the heart of defense, explaining why Ndah – who is a free agent, has been heavily linked with them.

What is the stumbling block stopping Ndah’s deal?

“There is a stumbling block in a possible deal between Mamelodi Sundowns and Nigerian defender Olisa Ndah,” Soccer Laduma reported.

“Sundowns would want to register Ndah as a local, but that process of getting South African citizenship is only set to start in September, and it’s likely to take a few weeks. If Sundowns were to sign him now, they would first have to register him as a foreigner, but it’s understood that the club has plans for their foreign spots. 

“As things stand, Marcelo Allende, Nuno Santos, Brayan Leon, Arthur Sales and Miguel Reisinho occupy the five foreign spots. Reisinho is expected to make an exit, leaving one spot open for Sundowns, who are believed to currently be looking at possibly bringing in another South American player in the upcoming campaign.

“That leaves Ndah in a situation of possibly having to look elsewhere if he wants to be at a club at the start of the new season. Waiting to get South African citizenship would mean he has to spend a few months without a club before making a return to the pitch, and it’s unlikely he is going to wait,” they concluded.