Betway Premiershp table-toppers Orlando Pirates lose midfielder Sihle Nduli to injury as the team prepares for the second round of the PSL season

Sihle Nduli is going to miss the restart of the Betway Premiership for Orlando Pirates.

The PSL football returns next week and Pirates are looking to consolidate their top fo the table lead as the crucial stage of season starts.

But they will do so without one of their pivotal players in midfield, Sihle Nduli.

Nduli has been a vital cog in the Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team with his boos and authoritative style of play and expectation is that he would continue doing that job after the Africa Cup of Nations recess.

But it seems as though those plans will be curtailed by a foot surgery he underwent during this mid-season break.

Nduli had also struck a good combination with both Masindi Nemtajela and Sipho Mbule in the Pirates midfield, ensuring that their defence does not face challenges as they would defend with aplomb.

As the surgery was successful, it is not clear for how long Nduli will be out for.

It is at this stage Pirates need him as they are on top of the standings and looking like real challengers to Mamelodi Sundowns dominance of local football in recent seasons.

How Pirates replace Nduli will be key in terms of gauging their depth.

They return to the league program against Sekhukhune United in two week’s time.