Sihle Nduli: Worst fears confirmed for Orlando Pirates midfielder

Orlando Pirates have confirmed that midfielder Sihle Nduli will be out until next year after suffering a significant injury on Wednesday.

Nduli was on the end of a near leg-breaking tackle from AmaZulu FC striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, who stamped on his ankle, but escaped a red card, when the two sides faced off in a Premier Soccer League match that ended 1-1 in Durban.

It was a tough return to action for Nduli, who had missed a huge chunk of last season due to a ligament injury, and now, the Pirates medical department has confirmed what coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and club supporters feared the worst.

“The Buccaneers will, however, head into the encounter without midfielder Sihle Nduli, who sustained a significant ankle injury during the clash against Usuthu,” Pirates confirmed on Sunday while providing a squad injury update ahead of their clash against Chippa United.

Extent of Sihle Nduli’s injury revealed

“The 30-year-old was forced off during the match following a heavy challenge and, after further assessment by the Club’s medical team, has been ruled out for an extended period.

“Nduli is expected to be sidelined for approximately four months after suffering a Grade 3 ligament tear, effectively ruling him out of action for the remainder of the year.

“His absence represents a setback for the Buccaneers, with the midfielder having recently returned from a lengthy layoff from a previous injury,” the Premier Soccer League champions further stated.

It is a tough time for Nduli who has had to endure long-term injuries since making the switch from Stellenbosch FC to Pirates last year.

Pirates’ treatment room getting crowded  

The midfielder had been a key component of the team in the first half of last season before he suffered a ligament issue and having been out for over six months, he had just made his return on Wednesday before he sustained the latest setback.

Nduli’s setback piles the injury list for Pirates, who are already without Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa while midfielder Andre De Jong will also not be ready to face Chippa.

“Pirates will also be without Andre de Jong for this afternoon’s encounter. The midfielder has been ruled out after picking up a quad strain and will not be considered for selection against the Chilli Boys,” added the Pirates statement.