Super Eagles defender Olisa Ndah marked his return from a long-term injury as Orlando Pirates secured a 2-0 victory over the Carling All-Stars to lift the Carling Cup at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
It was Ndah’s first appearance in a year, following a tibia fracture suffered during a Premier Soccer League match against Polokwane City in September 2024. The injury limited the centre-back to just nine appearances across all competitions last season.
The 27-year-old, who joined Pirates from Akwa United in 2021, has become a key figure at the Soweto giants, making 82 appearances for the Buccaneers and establishing himself as one of the club’s most consistent defenders.
Photo Credit: PSL/X
Pirates broke the deadlock in the 68th minute when youngster Sifiso Luthuli chipped goalkeeper Brandon Petersen. The lead was doubled 10 minutes from time, as Boitumelo Radiopane fired a low, drilled effort into the bottom corner.
After the match, Ndah reflected on the club’s winning culture.
“We keep making history every time. I think it’s the norm now in the team, we intend to try to win everything,” he said.
“It’s time to enjoy our time and celebrate.”
Photo Credit: Orlando Pirates/X
Ndah had recently returned to the matchday squad but remained on the bench in league victories over Chippa United and Durban City, and he will now hope for increased playing time as he continues his recovery.
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At international level, the ball-playing defender has three caps for Nigeria, having made his Super Eagles debut in 2021 under Gernot Rohr at the age of 23 years, five months and 13 days. He is, however, set to miss the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Photo Credit: Imago
The victory also saw Pirates become the first League Cup winners to defeat the All-Stars team since the exhibition fixture was introduced in 2023.
Stellenbosch FC lost the inaugural edition, while Magesi FC were beaten last season.
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The triumph marked head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s third trophy with Orlando Pirates, following earlier success in the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup.
