Olisa Ndah: From Own Goal to Captaincy – How He Bounced Back After a Soweto Derby Setback

Olisa Ndah’s journey at Orlando Pirates has been nothing short of inspiring, and his story is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The 27-year-old centre-back, who has quickly become one of the most influential players for the Buccaneers, faced a difficult moment in his career during the 2023 Soweto Derby. However, with support from his father, Ndubuisi Ndah, a former Super Eagles defender, Olisa was able to bounce back stronger and reclaim his place in the Pirates squad.

The 2023 Soweto Derby: A Moment to Forget

It was a day Olisa Ndah would likely want to forget. During the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs in February 2023, Ndah scored an unfortunate own goal, which resulted in a 1-0 defeat for the Buccaneers at FNB Stadium. The error not only handed Chiefs the victory but also put the defender under immense pressure. Following the match, it seemed as though the incident had taken a toll on Ndah’s confidence, as he struggled to secure consistent game time in the months that followed.

A Father’s Wisdom and Encouragement

However, Ndah’s father, Ndubuisi, was quick to intervene. Drawing from his own experience as a footballer, he offered his son words of wisdom that would guide him through the tough times. Speaking exclusively to the Siya crew, Ndubuisi shared how he reached out to Olisa immediately after the match to offer his support.

“Immediately after that match, I called him on the phone, and I told him that the incident should not bring him down,” Ndubuisi recalled. “I can vividly tell you that in my first game for Rangers (in Nigeria), I scored an own goal. It was like heaven was let loose, and everybody was saying I should go back to where I came from. I was seen as a small boy who didn’t deserve to play for a team as big as Rangers.”

Despite the criticism, Ndubuisi remained determined, and his perseverance paid off as he eventually became the captain of Enugu Rangers, leaving a lasting legacy at the club. He encouraged Olisa to follow a similar path: “I stood my ground, and I was training as hard as I could. So, I told him to train much harder than he had been doing. I told him to keep on doing what he was doing and that his time would come.”

Ndubuisi’s advice was clear: resilience and hard work would lead to success. He emphasized that Olisa’s moment would come again, and that he would be cheered on by fans once he regained his form. As a father, Ndubuisi took pride in his son’s progress, stating, “For me too, I ended up being the captain of the team despite initially having had people saying I should go away. Even today if you go to Enugu and ask them about Ndubuisi Ndah, they will say he was one of our greatest.”

A Strong Comeback

With his father’s encouragement in mind, Olisa Ndah went to work on regaining his fitness and confidence. His determination paid off when he made a successful return to the Pirates’ starting lineup. In fact, he was even appointed the team’s captain, a testament to his growth as both a player and a leader. His performances steadily improved, and he became a key figure in Pirates’ defense.

However, just as it seemed Ndah had fully regained his rhythm, injury struck, momentarily disrupting his progress. Despite this setback, the Bucs have confirmed that Ndah is on his way back to full fitness, working diligently with the club’s fitness trainers. While he is unlikely to feature in the upcoming Soweto Derby, it is expected that he will be available for selection soon.

A Household Name in South Africa

Today, Olisa Ndah is not just a household name in South Africa but also a symbol of resilience and leadership. His ability to overcome setbacks, coupled with his father’s guidance, has made him a respected figure both at Orlando Pirates and in the broader football community. Ndubuisi Ndah’s pride in his son’s achievements is evident, as he believes Olisa will leave his own mark on South African football, just as he did in Nigeria.

With the young defender’s progress and unwavering determination, the future looks bright for Olisa Ndah. Pirates fans can look forward to seeing him back in action soon, with his leadership and defensive prowess likely to play a crucial role in the team’s pursuit of success in the upcoming seasons.

The Road Ahead

While Ndah is still recovering from injury, there’s no doubt that his return will be a significant boost for Orlando Pirates. As he continues to recover, the defender’s journey from an own goal in a high-stakes Derby to becoming one of the club’s leaders is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance. Olisa Ndah is proving that setbacks are just stepping stones on the path to greatness, and his story will undoubtedly inspire many.

As the Soweto Derby approaches, Pirates will no doubt miss the influence of their captain, but fans will eagerly await his return to the field, where his leadership will be crucial in their pursuit of silverware.

Olisa Ndah’s resilience in the face of adversity speaks volumes about his character and mental strength. With the support of his father and his own determination, he has overcome one of the most difficult moments in his career and is now well on his way to cementing his place as one of the top defenders in South Africa. The road ahead may be filled with challenges, but if Ndah’s journey so far is any indication, there’s no obstacle he cannot overcome.