Orlando Pirates have officially parted ways with Nigerian international defender Olisa Ndah. The 28-year-old centre-back is leaving by mutual consent, bringing an end to his three-and-a-half-year journey with the Soweto giants.
Here's the interesting part - Ndah still had time left on his contract. But both sides agreed it was best to go their separate ways. Sometimes in football, these things just happen when a player needs regular minutes and the club has other plans.
Ndah joined Pirates back in 2021 from Nigerian side Akwa United. He quickly became a rock at the back, known for staying calm under pressure and his physical presence. The man was reliable when it mattered most, whether in domestic matches or big continental clashes.
Injuries Derailed His Final Season
Things got tough for Ndah over the past year though. A string of injuries kept him on the sidelines, and he didn't play a single game this season. His last appearance came in September 2024 when Pirates thumped Polokwane City 3-0.
With younger defenders like Mbokazi and Lebone Seema stepping up, Ndah's path back to the starting XI became even harder. Competition for places at Pirates is fierce right now, which makes betting on their defensive stability an interesting proposition given the squad depth.
Pirates released a classy statement about the split. They explained that 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.
A Successful Stint in South Africa
Let's not forget what Ndah achieved at Pirates. He made 81 appearances across all competitions, starting 73 of those matches. He even grabbed a goal against SuperSport United in the MTN8 back in 2024.
The silverware wasn't bad either - three MTN8 Cup wins during his time there. He also played key roles in Pirates' impressive runs in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
Ndah leaves as a free agent, which is crucial. He can sign with any club even after the January transfer window closes. That gives him flexibility to find the right fit for the next chapter of his career.
For Pirates, this move clears space in their squad and potentially frees up wages. They've thanked Ndah for his professionalism and dedication, and you can tell there's genuine mutual respect here. Now the Nigerian defender just needs to find a club where he can play week in, week out and get back to his best.
