Super Eagles star earns South Africa’s admiration after powering Orlando Pirates to Cup glory over Mamelodi Sundowns

The Nigeria international had endured a lengthy spell with injury, but he returned in style on Saturday to lift The Buccaneers to cup triumph

Super Eagles defender Olisa Ndah has earned praise from several South African football fans following his excellent performance in Orlando Pirates' triumph in the MTN 8 Cup.

Ndah delivered an eye-catching performance as Orlando Pirates defeated eternal rivals Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties in the final to emerge the champions of the 49th edition of the cup competition.

Having battled with a kniggling injury problem, Ndah had been missing in action since featuring for Pirates in a league clash with Kaizer Chiefs in February.

But after starting on the bench in the final on Saturday, the Nigeria international was called early to action as he replaced injured Nkosinathi Sibisi in the 34th minute.

Ndah thereafter delivered a masterclass defensive performance that impressed the thousands of fans inside the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

The 25-year-old's display helped Orlando Pirates shut out Mamelodi Sundown's free-scoring attack – the first time the Brazilians will fail to score in their last 20 games, dating back to May.

This is what Xoki said about Olisa Ndah during the week ,

it’s like he knew there were going to play together in the final pic.twitter.com/DDxeLV9LEJ

— MuziBucs (@MuziBucs) October 8, 2023

With full-time scores locked at 0-0, Orlando Pirates triumphed 3-1 on penalties, with Hotto, Kapinga, and Kimvuidi netting for the Sea Robbers while only Mothobi Mvala found his range for the PSL champions.

With the win, Orlando Pirates successfully defended the MTN 8 Cup they won last year and which they have now claimed 11 times.

For many fans of Pirates, Ndah was the team's best player against Sundown and many took to social media site X (formerly Twitter) to express their admiration for the 2021 NPFL winner.

Here are some of their thoughts about Ndah: 

Olisa Ndah is playing his first match for Orlando Pirates since February. Serving a reminder. ☠️⭐️#MTN8Final | #WafaWafa pic.twitter.com/5cJnqxknyC

— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) October 7, 2023

https://twitter.com/Lindoku26064850/status/1710747075640541655

https://twitter.com/TheoKolwane/status/1710744374588346713

That moment #MTN8Final pic.twitter.com/lnrsQVBquv

— Carol Tshabalala (@SimplyCarol8) October 7, 2023

https://twitter.com/makwande_m/status/1710885165893869638

https://twitter.com/TheeSportsGuy01/status/1710888310418120921

this just proves that Bucs supporters were not overreacting when they wanted Ndah back we knew that defense needed Olisa Ndah oh what a player !❤

— Bruno .㊗️ (@BrunoBaartman) October 7, 2023

The fact that he played his first game this season after 9 months and still manage to produces masterclass performance, it says alot about his qualities. We never lost any match against Sundowns Olisa Ndah featured in and we never conceded too. Lastly ask Shalulie about this Guy. pic.twitter.com/klo2K0EqkQ

— rau rau. (@_Omphile_M10) October 7, 2023

A full Nigeria international, Ndah has two caps for the Super Eagles but he has not featured in any of the team's games this year.