Olisa Ndah set for Libya move as Mamelodi Sundowns interest fades

Super Eagles defender Olisa Ndah is in advanced negotiations with an unnamed Libyan top-flight club, making a move to reigning CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns increasingly unlikely.

Ndah’s representative, Mike Makaab, confirmed that discussions over a transfer to Libya are progressing, although he declined to identify the club involved.

“Olisa Ndah is fit and ready for his new chapter to continue showcasing his talent. So at the moment we are working on a deal with a Libyan club, which I can’t disclose now,” Makaab said. “We are hoping that the deal will be concluded by the end of this week.”

The 28-year-old centre-back has been linked with Mamelodi Sundowns since leaving Stellenbosch, but reports indicate that the club’s foreign-player quota has prevented talks from moving forward.

Ndah has experienced a difficult two years in South Africa, with persistent injury problems limiting his involvement. He regained form and greater stability at the beginning of the year, but Orlando Pirates nevertheless decided to release him.

That decision led to a short-term switch to Stellenbosch. The club ultimately chose against making the arrangement permanent after a campaign in which they finished ninth. Ndah made only seven appearances for Stellenbosch before departing.

His exit from the club prompted speculation that he could remain in South Africa by joining Mamelodi Sundowns. However, the reported lack of available space for another foreign player has stalled any potential deal.

Recent reports have instead indicated that Ndah is on course to move to Libya, although his next club has not yet been revealed. If completed, the transfer would represent his first experience of Libyan football and his first move away from South Africa in five years.

Makaab’s comments suggest that the defender’s immediate future is now more likely to be settled in the Libyan top flight than with Sundowns.

A move to North Africa could prove financially attractive for Ndah, with Libyan clubs having demonstrated considerable spending power in recent transfer windows. Confirmation of the destination is expected before the end of the week.

For Mamelodi Sundowns, missing out on Ndah would not leave the club short of defensive options. They retain significant depth and quality at the back as they prepare to defend their domestic league title and continue their pursuit of continental success.