Nduli, Ndah, Makhaula Step Up Recovery as Pirates Chase Sundowns
Orlando Pirates have issued a positive injury update on three key squad members – Sihle Nduli, Olisa Ndah and Makhehleni Makhaula – ahead of their Betway Premiership clash against Chippa United on Tuesday night.
The Buccaneers return to league action after more than two weeks without competitive football, having sat out the weekend due to their CAF Champions League exit and the rescheduling of their Chippa fixture to 25 November. Despite the break, Pirates remain firmly in the title race: they sit second with 22 points from 10 matches, three behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have 25 points from 12 games.
According to an update on the club’s official channels, Nduli is nearing a comeback after the knock he suffered against Golden Arrows kept him out of the Carling Knockout tie with Richards Bay. Centre-back Ndah and midfielder Makhaula are also said to be progressing well and are edging closer to making their first appearances of the season following long-term injuries carried over from last term.
Buccaneers Eye Top Spot With Key Players Nearing Return
Pirates will be looking to extend their strong league form and maintain momentum from their run to the Carling Knockout Cup final, where they will face Marumo Gallants on 6 December at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Tuesday’s meeting with a struggling Chippa United at Orlando Stadium is a key opportunity: victory would see the Soweto giants draw level with Sundowns at the top, still with a game in hand. That gap could shrink further when Pirates travel to Durban to face Durban City at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, while Sundowns only resume league duty next Wednesday at home to Siwelele.