Nigeria defender Olisa Ndah will continue his search for a new club within Africa after a proposed move to Mamelodi Sundowns collapsed, Footy-Africa can exclusively reveal.
The 28-year-old is a free agent after leaving Stellenbosch FC at the end of last season and had attracted interest from CAF Champions League holders Sundowns, as well as clubs in the Middle East.
Reports in South Africa had suggested Sundowns were in advanced talks to sign the Super Eagles centre-back, with both parties keen to complete the deal.
However, Ndah’s representative, Mike Makaab, has confirmed to Footy-Africa that the transfer will not go ahead.
‘Nothing concrete’ – Olisa Ndah’s agent reacts to Mamelodi Sundowns’ interest
According to the veteran agent, the move fell through because of the Premier Soccer League’s foreign-player regulations.
“It’s not likely to happen. The main challenge is the foreign space” he told Footy-Africa .
Under PSL rules, clubs are permitted to register a maximum of five foreign players. Sundowns have already filled those five slots, while Ndah is yet to obtain South African citizenship, which would have allowed him to be registered as a local player.
The only alternative would have been for Sundowns to free up a foreign-player spot by offloading one of their current overseas players. Footy-Africa understands the club has no plans to do so.
Despite the setback, Makaab remains confident that Ndah will secure another move on the continent, with the defender’s priority now focused on finding a new club elsewhere in Africa.
Missing out on a move to Sundowns will come as a disappointment for the former Orlando Pirates defender, who viewed the South African giants as an ideal opportunity to revive his career after an injury-hit spell.
Ndah joined Stellenbosch in January following his departure from Orlando Pirates, where recurring injuries limited his impact over the previous two seasons.
The former Akwa United defender made 81 appearances for Pirates after joining the club in August 2021 and remains part of the Nigeria national team setup when fit.
