Pirates Issue Crucial Squad Development Before Critical League Fixture

Sihle Nduli during the Betway Premiership 2025/26 match between Golden Arrows and Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates could soon be boosted by key returns to the squad ahead of their midweek Betway Premiership clash – as confirmed by the club on their official website.

The Buccaneers have indicated that midfielder Sihle Nduli, along with Olisa Ndah and Makhehleni Makhaula, are edging closer to availability after missing recent action.

Read: Broos Announces Bafana Preliminary Squad For AFCON!

Pirates return to the field this week with another crucial league fixture as they host Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

“With a proud record to uphold, Pirates now have a struggling Chippa in their sights as they look to initiate a strong finish to the year. They could soon be boosted by the return of midfielder Sihle Nduli, who missed the Carling Knockout clash against Richards Bay, while Olisa Ndah and Makhehleni Makhaula both inch closer to featuring for the first time this season,” Pirates wrote on the club’s official website.

The Chippa match arrives at an important moment in the title race, especially with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns not in league action this week.

Sundowns currently top the Betway Premiership with 25 points from 12 games, while Pirates sit second on 22 points from only 10 matches.

A victory on Tuesday would see the Buccaneers draw level with Sundowns at the summit, with a game in hand.

Read: Signs Point To Possible Movement In Pirates’ Backline Plans

That gap could close even further later in the week. On Saturday, Pirates travel to Durban for another league outing against Durban City at Moses Mabhida Stadium – another opportunity to reduce (or even erase) the gap at the top as they continue to work through their games in hand.

Meanwhile, Sundowns’ next league match only comes next Wednesday when they host Siwelele at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.  

Photo by Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix 

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