Olisa Ndah: Fans Believe Orlando Pirates’ Defender Is the Key to Clean Sheets for the Buccaneers

• Olisa Ndah has not played a single minute for Orlando Pirates this season
• Ndah was one of Pirates' standout players, but has struggled to make the first team
• Fans believe that Ndah is the key to Pirates' defensive problems this season

Are Orlando Pirates a weaker side without Olisa Ndah in the side?

That's the belief of some fans, as the Soweto club has hit a rough patch of late.

Pirates have lost their last three games in a row, with defeats coming in the DStv Premiership, MTN 8, and CAF Champions League.

All three losses were 1-0 defeats.

Where is Olisa Ndah?

Having had a standout season for the club since joining on a free transfer, a mixture of injuries and rumoured issues with management have kept him out of the team.

As noted by Transfermarkt, Ndah has yet to play for the Buccaneers this season.

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At the beginning of September, Pirates confirmed that the Nigerian had recovered from his injury and was available for selection again, Soccer Laduma noted.

Despite being available, he only made it to the bench for two games since then but hasn't been given any game time.

Are Pirates upset with Ndah?

Backroom politics could also be why Ndah hasn't recently been in a Pirates shirt. In May, The Citizen noted that the club were considering releasing him from his contract. According to the publication, Ndah has attracted attention from overseas clubs and tried to force a move away.

His actions have therefore not sat well with the club's management.

Some fans even believe that he has been frozen out of the team because he scored an own goal in the Soweto derby in February.

Whatever the reason, some supporters of the Sea Robbers want the Nigerian back in the squad, believing that his presence will help them keep clean sheets again.

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Here's what fans had to say on social media:

@angamjuniorr:

“I miss Olisah Ndah I won’t lie every game we have to concede 😭😭.”

@sibusiso_ngwale:

“Ndah has to play in the Champions League against Jwaneng and in the MTN8 Final.”

@MlDibo:

“A fit Ndah should be the first-choice centre back for Orlando Pirates.”

@OrlandoWe97514:

“Still ask myself, what did Ndah do to Jose Riveiro?”

Ndah nominated for a prestigious award

Sports Brief also reported that Ndah's outstanding efforts for Orlando Pirates in what was a let-down of a season were recognised in Nigeria.

His towering presence in the Buccaneers' defence saw him being selected for the Super Eagles' 2021 Africa Cup of Nations squad, though he did not get game time in Nigeria.