Orlando Pirates have officially said goodbye to Nigerian defender Olisa Ndah. The 28-year-old centre-back is leaving the Soweto giants by mutual consent, even though he still had time on his contract.
It's a respectful parting of ways. Both sides agreed this was the best move for everyone involved.
Ndah joined Pirates back in 2021 from Nigerian club Akwa United. He quickly became a key player at the heart of their defense. Fans loved his composure on the ball and his physical presence in big matches, whether in the league or continental competitions.
But the last year hasn't been kind to him. Injuries hit hard and limited his playing time significantly. He didn't play a single minute this season. His last appearance came in September 2024 when Pirates beat Polokwane City 3-0.
Why the Move Makes Sense
According to Pirates' official statement, Ndah requested an early release to find regular playing time elsewhere. The club respected his honesty and his desire to keep his career moving forward.
"The Club respects Ndah's desire for increased minutes on the field," Pirates said in their statement. They praised his professionalism throughout the discussions.
Competition for places got tougher too. Young defenders like Mbokazi and Lebone Seema have been pushing hard for starting spots. After his injury problems, getting back into the first team was always going to be an uphill battle for Ndah.
What He Achieved at Pirates
Let's not forget what Ndah accomplished during his three-and-a-half years in South Africa. He made 81 appearances across all competitions, starting 73 of those matches. He even grabbed a goal against SuperSport United in the MTN8 in 2024.
The silverware wasn't bad either. Ndah won the MTN8 Cup three times with Pirates. He also played important roles during their strong runs in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
Now he leaves as a free agent. That means he can join any club he wants, even after the January transfer window closes. For clubs looking to strengthen their defense mid-season, he's an experienced option who knows African football inside out.
For Pirates, this move opens up squad space and potentially wage budget. They'll be backing their younger defenders to step up. For punters watching the Premier Soccer League, keep an eye on how Pirates' defense performs without Ndah's experience in the coming weeks.
The Nigerian defender's next chapter is still unwritten. But after years at one of Africa's biggest clubs, he leaves with his reputation intact and plenty of quality left to offer.
