Orlando Pirates Coach Ouaddou Gives Injury Update on Sihle Nduli Ahead of CAF Clash
- Orlando Pirates are preparing for a decisive CAF Champions League clash with their latest injury picture now clearer
- Sihle Nduli remains unavailable, but Abdeslam Ouaddou has provided an encouraging update on the squad
- The Orlando Pirates coach has revealed that several injured players are moving closer to a return
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Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has given an injury update on Sihle Nduli ahead of the Buccaneers’ crucial CAF Champions League second-leg clash against La Cure Waves on Saturday, 12 September 2026.
Nduli has been unavailable since picking up a serious injury during Pirates’ league encounter with AmaZulu. His absence has added to Ouaddou’s selection concerns as the club balances domestic and continental commitments.
Speaking during a media briefing on Friday, 11 September, Ouaddou confirmed that the midfielder is still working his way back.
“Yes, I think you remember that we had Nduli that had a big injury,” Ouaddou said, as reported by Soccer Laduma.
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Orlando Pirates coach Ouaddou makes surprising Kabelo Dlamini comparison to Zinedine Zidane
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“We hope to receive him as soon as possible.”
The coach did not provide a specific return date for Nduli.
Pirates receive encouraging injury news
However, there was some positive news in the wider Pirates squad. Ouaddou indicated that the number of players occupying the medical room is beginning to decrease, with several members of the squad now progressing through rehabilitation.
“I think the medical room is starting to be empty. And it's good news,” he explained.
“Most of the players are now in rehabilitation. It's just the phase before coming with the team.”
That suggests Pirates could gradually regain more options as the season develops, although the coach did not name the players closest to returning.
CAF Champions League clash looms
The update arrives with Pirates facing a must-win home leg after their opening encounter with La Cure Waves ended without a goal in Mauritius on 6 September. The Mauritian side defended resolutely to secure a 0-0 draw, despite Pirates' periods of control and chances.
The return fixture at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 12 September, carries added importance given Pirates’ experience in last season’s Champions League, when they were eliminated by Saint-Éloi Lupopo before reaching the group stage.
The Buccaneers will now need to turn their home advantage into a result against a La Cure side making its debut in the competition.
Nduli is not expected to feature as he continues his rehabilitation from the serious ankle injury suffered against AmaZulu.
Pirates previously confirmed that the midfielder sustained a Grade 3 ligament tear and was expected to be sidelined for approximately four months.
With the tie still level, Ouaddou must therefore work with the players available to him while waiting for injured members of his squad to complete their respective recoveries.
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Ouaddou compares Kabelo Dlamini’s qualities to Zinedine Zidane
Briefly News also reported that Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made a surprising comparison involving Kabelo Dlamini while discussing the midfielder’s qualities.
Dlamini remains on the sidelines as he continues his rehabilitation, but Ouaddou believes his ability to anticipate situations and find passes in tight spaces could make him an important player for the Buccaneers when he eventually returns.
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Source: Briefly News
