Sihle Nduli: Abdeslam Ouaddou Confirms Orlando Pirates Star Is Ruled Out of the Season

• Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shared that one of the most important players has been ruled out of the season
• The former Marumo Gallants manager explained why the South African midfielder would miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season
• Ouaddou's update on the Pirates midfielder's injury sparked mixed reactions from Premier Soccer League fans on social media

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has confirmed that midfielder Sihle Nduli will not feature again for the rest of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign.

Nduli has been out of action since picking up an injury during the opening half of the season, an issue that has kept him sidelined for several months.

The South African midfielder joined the Soweto giants on a free transfer from Stellenbosch FC last summer and has gone on to be one of the important players for Abdeslam Ouaddou this season.

He earned the admiration of the Buccaneers supporters due to his performance in the team's midfield and registered 18 appearances in all competitions before getting injured.

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The former TS Galaxy star was part of the Sea Robbers' squad that dominated the Cup competition at the start of the season under Abdeslam Ouaddou's guidance. The French-Moroccan won the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout, while also adding the unofficial Black Label cup to the list.

Ouaddou confirms Nduli's long-term injury

However, after missing all second-round fixtures, Ouaddou has now indicated that a return for Nduli before the end of the season is highly unlikely.

“Sihle Nduli is progressing gradually in his recovery. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and we are starting to see him doing light work, including jogging,” Ouaddou explained.

“It is encouraging for us to see him back on the pitch after spending so much time in the treatment room. But at this stage, I don’t believe he will be available again this season, as this type of injury requires careful and extended rehabilitation,” he added.

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Fans react to Nduli's injury update

Nduli's absence and being ruled out of the season have sparked different reactions from Orlando Pirates supporters on social media, as he's also being compared to Makhehlene Makhaula.

Bongani Mgubela shared:

"No need to rush him back. We're covered in his positions. The only guy I miss is Sesane."

Thobile KaNkosi Mathobela said:

"Don't really miss him, yes, it would be good to have him back on the field, but Makhaula has been really impressive."

Bernard Khuruge Lefalamang Makgoale wrote:

"I don't miss Nduli. He stepped in for Makhaula, yes, he performed well, but Makhaula is everything."

Tlale Tlhatlosi implied:

"I've been saying this for ages, Sihle Nduli's impact is often underrated. He kept everything together in midfield, and his experience was invaluable. Let's hope they can maintain the level of performance without him."

Lindani Gumede added:

"His absence is quite noticeable. Hopefully, he'll come back stronger. By the way, Orlando Pirates got quality players, and almost every player is on top of their game."

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Ouaddou calls out Pirates 'boo boys'

Briefly News also reported that Ouaddou addressed Orlando Pirates fans who were booing the team against TS Galaxy in the league.

The former Marumo Gallants manager stressed that his players are fully committed every time they step onto the pitch.

Source: Briefly News