Olisa Ndah Departs Orlando Pirates: Nigerian Defender Granted Early Release

JOHANNESBURG – In a move that signals the end of a solid defensive era for the Buccaneers, Orlando Pirates has officially confirmed the departure of Nigerian international Olisa Ndah.

The 28-year-old center-back and the club have reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract early. According to an official statement from the club, the decision stemmed from “careful and respectful” negotiations initiated by the player himself.

A Quest for Game Time

The central motivation for the split appears to be Ndah’s desire for regular first-team minutes. Despite his pedigree, the defender had seen his role shift, prompting him to seek a fresh start as he enters the prime years of his career. Pirates management acknowledged the player’s honesty, noting a shared understanding that the move was necessary for his professional growth.

Looking Back: The Ndah Era

Since arriving at Mayfair in 2021, Ndah quickly became a fan favorite for his:

• Composure: Exceptional ability to play out from the back.
• Steel: A “hard-as-nails” approach to tackling that fortified the Pirates’ defense.
• Experience: Amassing over 80 appearances and becoming a cornerstone of the backline during a transitional period for the club.

“On the pitch, he was dependable and disciplined; off it, he was a model professional who represented the badge with distinction,” the club stated in their farewell address.

What’s Next?

While his next destination remains unconfirmed, the Nigerian international is expected to have no shortage of suitors given his experience in the DStv Premiership and on the international stage.

The Buccaneers, meanwhile, will now have to look within their ranks or toward the transfer market to replace the “commanding presence” left by the Nigerian’s exit.