Super Eagles defender hopes to impress Stellenbosch FC following Pirates free transfer

Olisa Ndah, a four-time-capped Super Eagles defender, has been invited to train with Stellenbosch FC.

This invitation comes on the heels of Ndah’s release by Orlando Pirates during the recent transfer window, following a challenging period marked by injuries and fierce competition for central defence spots.

Having made over 80 appearances for Pirates, Ndah’s time at the club was hampered by two long-term injuries and by strong competition, notably from Lebone Seema and Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Despite regaining his match fitness, the 28-year-old defender found it increasingly difficult to make the matchday squads, leading him to seek a fresh start elsewhere.

Officials at Stellenbosch FC confirmed Ndah’s arrival for training. CEO Rob Benadie told Independent Media: “Yes, he was invited to train with us. We are assessing him, and both parties are hoping to decide in the next couple of days.”

This comment has provided a glimmer of hope for Ndah, who is eager to embark on this new chapter after 18 months of limited playing time.

Interestingly, recent media reports speculated that Ndah had signed a year-and-a-half contract with mid-table Libyan club Al Shomooa. However, his father, Ndubuisi Ndah, and his agent, Mike Makaab, have emphatically refuted those claims, stating that the defender focused on his training with Stellenbosch.

At the Winelands club, Ndah faces the dual challenge of regaining his fitness and impressing coach Gavin Hunt, who is grappling with his squad’s overall conditioning.

Having inherited a team that has struggled with key player departures, injuries and inconsistent form, Hunt is keen to bolster his defensive options, potentially setting the stage for Ndah’s resurgence.

Ndah’s quality is well known, but his return to full fitness will take time and require patience from both the player and the club.

Hunt finds himself in a relentless race against time, scrambling to restore the fitness levels of several recent recruits joining his squad.

The newcomers, many of whom were sidelined at their previous clubs, are now expected to adapt quickly to Hunt’s demanding style, with pressure mounting.

In a candid assessment, Hunt expressed his concerns about his players’ current condition. “We play them in matches to help them regain fitness,” he noted, highlighting the challenge of balancing player conditioning with the overwhelming frequency of fixtures.

With games coming thick and fast, the coach is forced to reconsider his tactical approaches, as the team struggles to align with his playing philosophy.

“The team can’t play the way I want them to play,” Hunt admitted, a reflection of the constraints imposed by fitness levels. “I have to consider that when deciding how we want to play.”

This dilemma is one many coaches face, but Hunt’s is particularly acute given the short turnaround times between matches.