Nigeria defender Olisa Ndah has been tipped for a move to Europe with his meteoric rise over the past 12 months continuing at Orlando Pirates.
Ndah who recently turned 24, made his Africa Cup of Nations debut for the Super Eagles in their final group stage game and despite playing only 15 minutes – a buzz surrounded him due to how effortless he slotted into the set-up.
Having made his senior international debut before his move to Pirates, the towering defender was one of the best talents to emerge from the Nigerian Super League as he played a pivotal role in Akwa United’s historic title success.
Pirates managed to secure his services and before he even signed for the club, his agent Mike Makaab suggested he’d be the best player he’s ever brought to South African football.
“One has to be sensible when you make statements, I think he’s settled in really well at Orlando Pirates, he’s no doubt a quality footballer with enormous talent,” Makaab tells iDiski Times.
“But he has to remain humble, committed to his craft and understand that for him to take the next step, which is ultimately a move to Europe, he has to consistently perform at a high level and then the rest will unfold naturally.”
When probed about the natural interest that’s emerging amid his imperious form for the Buccaneers Makaab denied the Soweto giants signed him with the intention that he would use the club as a swift stepping stone.
“Pirates never sign players to make a profit, they paid a sizeable transfer fee for him but in retrospect, it was a bargain. But they paid a sizeable fee, I don’t think any big club in the world buys players to sell them,” he explained.
“But one thing I can tell you about Pirates because people often say the chairman is difficult when it comes to players moving to Europe, it’s not true. I moved [Mbulelo] Mabizela, [Tso] Vilakazi and recent [Marshall] Munetsi went to Europe, Andile Jali [too].
“A whole host of players have left Pirates to play in Europe, it’s a matter of the deal being fair to all parties. If Ndah’s market value is X, and it’s a genuine X and I bring an offer to the table that’s more than market value there’s no doubt the chairman will sit with me and have that discussion.
“He’s always done that. But what I’ve said to Ndah is not to think too far ahead, just focus energies on growing game by game, week by week and the rest will take care of itself.”
Ndah has featured just 13 times for Pirates since his off-season arrival but his early performances suggest he’s destined for greater heights.
