Orlando Pirates fans will have further reason to smile with Olisa Ndah returning after four months out as they target both the CAF Champions League and Betway Premiership titles.
Ndah has been out of action since September and has moved closer to becoming available for selection again.
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The most recent update from Pirates on the Nigerian defender indicated that he has started field training and conditioning.
By the time Ndah celebrates his 27th birthday a week on from today, he will have taken further steps towards giving Jose Riveiro further options at the back.
Another centre-back – Tapelo Xoki – is already back in action and has featured in two games as a substitute.
The proof of how important the little celebrated role of defence has been for the Soweto giants is in the numbers.
The Buccaneers have been solid at the back, conceding only thrice in nine Champions League matches and five in 11 games in the Betway Premiership, which has given their push in both competitions a solid foundation.
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Nkosinathi Sibisi and Thabiso Sesane have done the job to perfection at the back and with the number of games ahead, it will be vital for equally capable alternatives to be provided by Xoki and Ndah.
Though Pirates have already played 25 games this term, they could still have a further 31 to fulfil if they reach the finals of both the Champions League and Nedbank Cup.