Orlando Pirates defender Thapelo Xoki is thrilled to see the return of fellow defender Olisa Ndah, saying his qualities are unquestionable ahead of the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium.
Pirates will visit Chiefs in the Soweto Derby number 179 at the Calabash, but it will bring unwanted memories for Ndah, as the last time he played at the venue on 25 February against Chiefs, he scored an own-goal, wrong-footing Sipho Chaine in goals, to see Chiefs do the double over their fierce rivals last term.
That was the last time Ndah had played before returning in the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns in October in Durban, coming from the bench for the injured Nkosinathi Sibisi.
Despite being out for so long, Ndah was crucial from set plays in the Wafa Wafa Cup – on the interceptions to thwart the danger thrown in by Sundowns, to get over the line in the penalty shootout.
Xoki, who it appears he will partner with Ndah on Saturday, is happy to see the Nigerian international back.
“We have missed him [Ndah], as I have said before, an international in our team,” said Xoki.
“He does a lot for our team. We know his qualities and it is there for everyone to see. He brings out the best in all of us who are around him and everyone in the team.”
Ndah will hope to write better derby memories, as also made headlines in November 2021 when he pulled down Khama Billiat at the Calabash, allowing Keagan Dolly to convert the penalty to grab a brace on that day.
“Also the competition in the team, it makes everyone better,” continued Xoki.
“So to have him back it is so good for us, so good for the team. We have seen the impact already and hopefully he stays injury-free (the whole season) and we continue to be competitive as a group.
“I know that he is going to help us a long way in the season. We need his qualities and the guys that out we need them back also, hopefully they can come back. So his impact has been huge for us and we appreciate his qualities.”
Ndah is one of a few players who have scored an own-goal in the Soweto Derby, joining the likes of Lucas Thwala, Ntshikelelo Nyauza, Daine Klate, Michael Yende and Tshepo Masilela.
