Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou shares big news on Olisa Ndah but Deano van Rooyen has no chance against Mamelodi Sundowns in MTN8 semi-final - 'He still needs to pass some examinations'

Orlando Pirates have won the last three MTN8 crowns, and are hoping to make it four in a row in the ongoing edition.

They played to a 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the semi-final staged at the Orlando Stadium last weekend.

The two teams will clash again on Saturday, with the aggregate winner playing either Stellenbosch or Sekhukhune United in the final.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has a few concerns prior to the fixture, with a couple of players missing.

It is not yet clear whether Makhehlene Makhaula and Nkosinathi Sibisi will be fit for the assignment, but the game comes too soon for Deano van Rooyen.

The tactician has, however, shared some positive news on the availability of Nigeria international Olisa Ndah, who has been out of action since the early 2024/25 campaign.

“About Olisa Ndah, he’s training, he’s coming back, things are going well,” he said in a presser.

“Hopefully, in a few days, he will be back with us in the group. 

“[But on Van Rooyen] we have an idea, but we don’t have definitive feedback from the medical department.

“What I can tell you, he will not be available [against Sundowns]. But we don’t know exactly what he has because he still needs to pass some examinations to go deeper and to know the time of his injury," Ouaddou concluded. 

If Captain Sibisi fails a late fitness test, his assistant, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, will most likely partner Lebone Seema at the heart of Bucs' defence.

Coach Ouaddou hopes to get a win away to ease pressure after an inconsistent start to the season.