Sihle Nduli: Orlando Pirates Midfielder Suffers Another Injury Setback on Return

Sihle Nduli: Orlando Pirates Midfielder Suffers Another Injury Setback on Return

  • Orlando Pirates midfielder Sihle Nduli was forced off in the 53rd minute of Wednesday's league clash against AmaZulu at Kings Park Stadium
  • Nduli had only just returned to the starting line-up after a five-month absence caused by an Achilles tendon and ankle injury sustained in November 2025
  • The extent of Nduli's latest injury remains unclear, raising fresh concerns over his availability for the Soweto giants this season

Orlando Pirates midfielder Sihle Nduli's comeback lasted less than an hour before another injury cut his evening short during Wednesday night's PSL fixture against AmaZulu, which ended 1-1 at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium.

Named in the starting eleven for the Buccaneers, the 30-year-old was withdrawn in the 53rd minute after being fouled by AmaZulu's Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, who avoided a straight red card despite the challenge.

Nduli's injury troubles continue

It was not the return Nduli or the Pirates faithful had hoped for. The midfielder had already endured a torturous 2024/25 campaign after damaging his Achilles tendon and ankle in a league match against Golden Arrows in November 2025, which ruled him out for the remainder of that season. He spent five months on the sidelines watching his teammates from home before finally regaining fitness.

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The severity of this latest setback has not yet been confirmed by the club, leaving the timeline for his recovery uncertain.

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Newly-signed midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi stepped in to replace Nduli after the substitution, partnering Camren Dansin in the engine room for the remainder of the match.

Key figure in Ouaddou's plans

Nduli had established himself as a key player under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou during his early months at the club. Before his season-ending injury last term, he had featured 18 times for Pirates across all competitions, including 10 league appearances.

The former Stellenbosch FC man had been considered one of the more dependable options in the Pirates midfield before misfortune intervened.

His absence will once again test the depth of Pirates' options in the middle of the park as the new campaign gets underway.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Raphael Abiola avatar

Raphael Abiola (Sports editor) Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over seven years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015. Raphael previously worked as a football editor at Stakegains (2016-2018) and a content editor with Opera News Nigeria (2018-2023). Raphael then worked as an Editor for the Local Desk at Sports Brief (2023-2024). Reach him via email at raphael.abiola@briefly.co.za.