Recent signing at Orlando Pirates of South Africa, Olisa Ndah has disclosed that he is quickly adapting to life at his new base and trying his best to acclimatize to the weather, megasportsarena.com reports.
While acknowledging that the weather is not as cold as he initially feared, the 23-year-old central defender, who moved last week from Akwa United of Uyo, added that he is ready to very work in order to distinguish himself in the Premier Soccer League.
Ndah, who was considered as one of the best centre-backs in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), was one of Akwa United’s standout players in clinching the domestic title.
His presence in the heart of defence ensured that The Prmise Keepers conceded least number of goals (24) and qualified for the CAF Champions League for the first time in their history.
His exploits have now earned him a trial stint at 1995 Champions League winners, who recognise him as a Nigeria international, having been in the B-squad that played Mexico in a recent international friendly.
The dreadlocks-wearing stopper, who has captained Nigeria at youth level, started against Mexico for the Eagles’ team that was made up of mostly home-based players but suffered a 4-0 loss in Los Angeles, USA.
The former Sliema Wanderers, Flamrun Spartans and Sirens of Malta lad will now aim to revive the Nigerian tradition at Pirates, which in the past had Willy Okpara, Obinna Okonkwo and Ezenwa Otorogu.
Ndah was also part of the Nigeria squad at the 2019 Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations finals in Egypt with the Dream Team failing to reach the knockout phase.
He made the move to Orlando Stadium alongside Ghana striker, Kwame Peprah on three-year deals, with both hoping to settle down fast, as The Bucaneers prepare for the CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
However, it will not be a bed of roses for Ndah at Orlando Pirates,as he will have to compete with Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Happy Jele, Sandile Mthethwa and Thulani Hlatshwayo for a place in The Bucs’ starting line-up.
Following his official unveiling after some weeks of trials with The Buccaneers, the son of former Rangers International of Enugu defender, Ndubuisi Ndah, is basking in the euphoria of his new deal and admitted he is eager to hit the ground running when he starts playing next weekend.
The under-23 national team, Olympic Eagles’ former invitee acknowledged that making the switch from Nigeria to South Africa is challenging both physically and technically, but he concluded with enthusiasm that he is adapting quickly to life at his new base.
Ndah could not get his espied debut this weekend, due to the FIFA international window but he is already primed for action when they host Moroka Swallows on Saturday, ahead of which he declared that he is fully focused on what to offer his team.
Ndah told www.aclsports.com: “It’s a big move for me and I’m really happy to be here. The fans have showed me so much love, the messages have been massive.
“I’ve got a lot of messages from the fans and yeah I’m just ready to work and see what I can bring to the team.
“I’m getting used to it. It’s a gradual process. It’s actually different here because of the style of play and how the league is because it’s a bit pacy here.
“I’m acclimatizing well though, the weather has been cold for a whole now but it is actually getting better because it is going past their winter period but yeah I’m okay.”
