Makaab Slams Reports On Ndah, Confirms Overseas Interest

Talk of Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah being unhappy at the club has been rubbished by his agent Mike Makaab, who explained why his expected overseas move did not materialise after the Africa Cup of Nations.

Ndah was lauded as ‘one of the best talents’ Makaab has brought to South Africa when he first arrived at Pirates from Akwa United in 2021 where he had won the NPFL title.

His form in his first season at the club saw him called up to the Super Eagles for the 2022 AFCON in Cameroon and interest was rising in his services as a technically gifted centre-back who shows aerial dominance and intelligence to read the game.

But of late, there had been talk that Ndah was disgruntled at not being able to leave the DStv Premiership outfit, and was set to see his contract terminated due to his behaviour since allegedly being denied a transfer abroad – claims his agent strongly denied.

“Absolute nonsense, I addressed this very issue with the Chairman [Dr. Irvin Khoza] and both him and I agreed it’s not even worth our while to respond to issues like that, when journalists think they can make their minds up as to what’s happening and talk about sources, it’s absolute nonsense,” Makaab told iDiski Times about reports Ndah wants out this off-season.

“The truth is, he had a fantastic first [season] with Pirates and then sadly, as he was hitting his straps again, he’s had niggling injuries. We hope that he’s through the worst of it all now, he’s working extremely hard at rehab and we’re confident he will be fit and ready to resume action with the team for pre-season.”

The ProSport International boss went on to open up about the transfer talk around the player, with clubs in Greece, Serie A and Major League Soccer said to have made approaches for him during his period of form before and after AFCON.

“There was a lot of interest from Europe and MLS and he was also called up for [the] Nigeria national team for AFCON, so truth be told, at the stage when he was called up, there was massive interest,” Makaab confirmed.

“But everything about [transfers] is timing and it’s sad that at that stage [where transfer talks were rising] he had problems with injuries.

“There’s little doubt in my mind if he puts his best foot forward, returns to his best form and does a really good job for Pirates this season, I honestly believe there will always be an opportunity for Olisa to move into Europe.

“And I know that if the deal is good for all parties, it will happen. I’m not the sort of agent that will take offers to a football club that I don’t believe is fair to all parties and the players that work with us are on the same page, it has to be a proper deal.”

The 25-year-old has racked up 48 appearances for the club and won the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup during his stay thus far.