Orlando Pirates have announced that midfielder Sihle Nduli will be sidelined for four months due to a cruciate ligament injury sustained during Wednesday’s Betway Premiership match against AmaZulu at Kings Park Stadium.
The former Stellenbosch FC player departed the field in the first half following a severe, mistimed challenge from AmaZulu’s Thando Ngwenya. Medical assessments revealed structural damage, meaning he will be absent until at least December.
This injury is a notable setback for both Nduli and Buccaneers head coach José Riveiro, especially since the skilled midfielder had quickly become an integral part of Pirates’ central midfield since joining at the beginning of the 2026/27 season.
The Buccaneers will face their next match without midfielder Sihle Nduli, who has sustained a serious ankle injury during the clash with Usuthu.
The 30-year-old was substituted during the match after a rough challenge, and a follow-up evaluation by the Club’s medical team has indicated that he will be out for an extended duration.
Nduli is expected to be out for approximately four months due to a Grade 3 ligament tear, which means he will miss the remainder of the year.
This absence poses a significant challenge for the Buccaneers, particularly because the midfielder had just returned from an extended injury layoff.
Pirates will also be missing Andre de Jong for today’s match; the midfielder is unavailable due to a quad strain.
Additionally, the Bucs medical staff has provided an update on Tshepang Moremi’s condition.
The Bafana Bafana player sustained a knock during the midweek game and is set to undergo a late fitness assessment before a decision on his availability is made.
With a short turnaround between matches, the focus now shifts to Chippa United as Pirates aim to return to winning form this afternoon.
