Orlando Pirates confirm Sihle Nduli injury blow as midfielder faces four months out

Orlando Pirates have announced that midfielder Sihle Nduli will be out for about four months due to a serious ankle injury sustained during a match against AmaZulu. The 30-year-old sustained a Grade 3 ligament tear during the game, forcing him to leave the field after a heavy challenge. Following medical evaluation, the club concluded that his absence would likely last the remainder of the season.

This news comes as a significant setback for Nduli, who had only recently returned from a previous lengthy injury absence. His latest injury means he now needs to undergo another extended rehabilitation period as Pirates continue their season without him. Nduli had been included in Pirates' plans following his return from the earlier injury, but his latest setback means coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will once again need to adjust his midfield strategies.

Currently, the Buccaneers are also without Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa, although their absences are unrelated to Nduli's injury. Mbatha missed Pirates' recent match against AmaZulu, while Makgopa has yet to play for the club this season. However, Nduli's injury marks the latest confirmed setback for the Soweto-based team, who will now need to plan for the midfielder's extended absence.

With a recovery timeline expected to take around four months, Nduli is unlikely to return to competitive play until the following year. For now, the midfielder faces another lengthy rehabilitation process as he strives for a full recovery from this most recent setback.