“They Build from the Scratch” –Ndah on South African Football

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Super Eagles defender Olisa Ndah has shared insights on what sets the South African Premier Soccer League, PSL apart from Nigerian football, emphasizing the league’s tactical organization and player development system.

Ndah, who joined Orlando Pirates from Akwa United in 2021 on a three-year deal, has made 81 appearances and scored one goal for the club.

Despite currently being sidelined with a tibia fracture that has ruled him out for the rest of the year, the 26-year-old spoke with Brila.net about his experience in the PSL.

“It’s a wonderful experience to play in the PSL. I’ve played with a lot of quality players. The league isn’t spoken about much, but there are many good players here. Apart from the infrastructure, they are tactically aware, and it’s a good league to play in.”

Ndah also reflected on the talent within the league and the challenges faced when playing against South African teams:

“The league has a lot of wonderful talent. We played against them in AFCON, and it wasn’t as easy as people think.

Obviously they don’t have the quality of players we have in Nigeria but there is a lot of talent here.”

He praised the PSL’s focus on grassroots development:

“They build from the scratch, from youth teams.

Our youth team players train with us, and you can see the quality, they are very talented.

It’s just that they aren’t as visible internationally as we are. I think that’s why people underestimate the league’s talent.”