In a surprise announcement made on Thursday, Orlando Pirates suddenly bid farewell to defender Olisa Ndah with immediate effect, stating that a “mutual agreement” had been reached to part ways.
It was stated that the the Nigerian international “requested” the early release, and that it came after “careful and respectful discussions between the player and the club’s management”.
Orlando Pirates stalwart has featured nearly 100 times for the Buccaneers
The statement from Pirates suggested it was an amicable decision.
“Central to these conversations was a shared understanding to afford Ndah the opportunity to secure regular game time elsewhere as he enters the next phase of his career.
“The club respects Ndah’s desire for increased minutes on the field and acknowledges his honest engagement with management throughout the process. It is in this spirit of mutual respect that an amicable decision was reached,” the statement continued.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club would like to thank Olisa for his professionalism, dedication and service to the club. We wish him every success in the next chapter of his career, both on a personal level and in his continued journey in the game.”
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Ndah, 28, joined the Buccaneers in 2021 and quickly established himself as a commanding presence at the heart of defence.
However, he missed nearly 12 months of action last year after suffering a tibia and fibula fracture, and it was clear that regular game-time was going to be hard to come by this season.
Over the course of more than 80 appearances at the club, Pirates praised Ndah for embodying the values of the club.
“On the pitch, he was dependable and disciplined; off it, he was a model professional who represented the badge with distinction,” the Pirates announcement concluded.