Ouaddou gives injury update on Nduli
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has provided an update on Sihle Nduli after the midfielder suffered an injury during their 1-1 draw against AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday night.
The Buccaneers were held to a frustrating draw at Kings Park Stadium, dropping points for the first time this season. Pirates took the lead through Bafana Bafana international Tshepang Moremi before AmaZulu equalised through Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya’s first-half penalty.
The bigger concern for Ouaddou, however, was Nduli’s injury. The midfielder was making his emotional return to the Pirates matchday squad after missing the second half of last season because of a long-term injury.
His comeback lasted just 55 minutes. Nduli was caught on the ankle by Ngwenya during a challenge and was unable to continue. Ouaddou admitted that the extent of the injury is still unknown, with the player set to undergo further examinations.
“We had to take him out because unfortunately, he could not continue,” Ouaddou said. The coach explained that Nduli’s return in Durban was meant to be a special moment after his previous injury in the city.
“We wanted to give him a gift. If you remember, he suffered an injury here in Durban. It was a good surprise for him to restart here, and then he got injured.” “We hope it’s not so bad. Now we are going to do an analysis. I can’t give you an update on that.”
“We’ll examine him and see, but I hope we didn’t lose him again,” Ouaddou added. Pirates will now wait for the medical assessment before knowing whether Nduli faces another spell on the sidelines.
