January 4, 2025
Orlando Pirates defender, Olisa Harold Ndah, has declared his desire to win the 2024/25 South African Premier Soccer League campaign.
Olisa, who is a Nigerian professional footballer and plays as a centre-back for South African Premier Division side Orlando Pirates, stated that his team are having eyes on the title, although believes that it is too early to decide and they still have a long way to go.
Having joined the Buccaneers from Akwa United in 2021, Olisa and the Pirates have been runners up in the league. They have been behind Mamelodi Sundowns, in the last two campaigns.
However, the 26-year-old defender is optimistic of winning the Premier Soccer League this season. He also stated that it’s quite too early to have talks about winning the league.
“Personally, I think this is just the beginning, there’s still a lot of games, as we are still in December. Obviously, I’m optimistic about us winning the league but right now, we are just focused on winning this game, and taking it one game at a time.”
“That’s what is behind our minds right now. Obviously, we are looking at the title, but I think it’s a long way to go. Just winning our games and focusing on ourselves is what we are up to now”, Olisa stated, as quoted by SportsBoom.com.
Orlando Pirates are currently second on the league, with 24 points, behind Mamelodi Sundowns, who have 27 points. However, the Buccaneers are having a game on hand and also ahead the Sundowns by goal difference.
The former Akwa United player also expressed his feelings as regards cup and league wins, stating ‘it’s a different feeling’.
Olisa won the Nigeria Premier League in 2021 with Akwa United but have failed to replicate same with the Pirates.
However, he has won several cup titles with the Pirates, the Nedbank Cup in 2023 and 2024. He also won the MTN 8 with the Pirates in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Reflecting on the title feelings, he said, “I don’t know the feelings of winning a league here. I won the league back in Nigeria so I know the feelings, it’s totally different from when you win the Nedbank or MTN 8.”
“I just want to know the difference so I’m looking forward to 2025, because it’s going to be a good year for us”, he added.
Also, Olisa gave his resolution for the 2025 year, declaring he would love to win the CAF Champions League title.
“On my thoughts ahead of 2025, it’s obviously to retain our titles and also win the CAF Champions League. Such success will be a very defining moment for me in 2025”, he said.
Aside playing for Orlando Pirates, the Nigerian has also plied his trade with Remo Stars and Akwa United. Olisa Ndah joined Nigeria Premier League side Remo Stars during the 2018–19 season on a two-year contract. On 25 January 2020, Akwa United officially announced the acquisition of Ndah on a two-year deal, where he went on to win the Nigerian Professional Football league title with Akwa United, his first silverware with the club.
However, on the 26th of August 2021, he was announced as a new Orlando Pirates player.
Olisa has then gone on to win several titles with the South African club.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian international also commented on call up with the Super Eagles of Nigeria, defining the feeling as the best in 2024.
“I think it was one of the best thing that happened to me this year, I would like to say that because it’s not often you get called up to the Super Eagles. Anytime I get called up to the Eagles, I’m always excited about it and obviously been able to play in Uyo, which is my second year is exciting for me.
“I was very happy for the call up. A big thanks to the coach, for believing in me and giving me a chance. I’m always excited to be with the Super Eagles. Either I’m playing or not playing, I still support the team and talk to my guys.
“There are lot of good players and I think when you get called up, it’s always a privilege for me. It is one of the most special thing for me and I’m really excited about it”, Olisa said.
The Nigerian has only two caps with the Super Eagles, since receiving his call-up for the delayed 2021 AFCON.
The 26-year-old made his competitive debut for Nigeria, coming as a substitute in the victory against Guinea-Bissau, in January 2022.
His other appearance came also as a substitute against Benin Republic in September 2024, during the AFCON qualifiers.
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