Injury Crisis Opens Door for Orlando Pirates Midfielder

A string of injuries, combined with a congested fixture list, may have handed at least one previously out-of-favour Orlando Pirates star a golden opportunity to reclaim a starting berth.

Pirates are in desperate need of making up ground on log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, as the Betway Premiership title race increasingly looks like a two-horse battle. However, with the season having started late due to a change in sponsorship—Betway replacing DStv—the fixture list has become relentless, placing added strain on players.

While their last match and the next are separated by seven days, the crammed schedule remains a major concern, particularly on the injury front, and the Buccaneers have not been spared.

Key midfielder Goodman Mosele has missed most of the season due to an injury he sustained while on loan at Chippa United last term. Thalente Mbatha also sat out two matches after picking up a training injury, and veteran Makhehlene Makhaula, now in his mid-to-late 30s, is finding it increasingly difficult to complete full matches on a regular basis.

With Pirates stretched for midfield options, an unintended consequence of this situation has been the return of Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo to the fold.

The 29-year-old has now featured in three consecutive matches across all competitions—a significant turnaround for a player who saw minimal action between August and December last year. He played the full 90 minutes in a goalless draw against Disciples in the CAF Champions League preliminary stages in August and saw just 14 minutes of league action against AmaZulu in October.

With his contract set to expire in June, this resurgence comes at a crucial time for Ndlondlo, who now has the chance to prove his worth to the technical team and management. The recent show of faith from coach Jose Riveiro could not have come at a better moment for the midfielder as he looks to secure his future at the club.