Ndlondlo in Durban City sights as Nedbank Cup winners weigh move for Marumo Gallants star

Durban City have opened talks over a move for Marumo Gallants midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo as the Nedbank Cup holders look to reinforce their squad ahead of a demanding 2025-26 campaign.

The Betway Premiership club, who are preparing for their debut in the CAF Confederation Cup, are understood to have made formal enquiries about Ndlondlo’s availability with the new season just days from kick-off.

Ndlondlo, 29, has built a reputation as a big-game performer in domestic cup competitions, and Durban City view his experience as vital as they look to balance league, knockout and continental commitments.

The diminutive playmaker has one year remaining on his contract with Marumo Gallants, meaning any deal before the transfer deadline is likely to require a fee.

Transfer options on the table

Sources close to the discussions indicate Durban City are assessing two clear routes: paying what is believed to be a relatively modest transfer fee now, or waiting until January to secure Ndlondlo on a pre-contract agreement that would see him join for free at the end of the season.

The next stage in the process is expected to involve direct negotiations between the chairmen of the two clubs, with no agreement yet in place and no formal bid publicly confirmed.

Gallants, now coached by Phuti Mohafe, must decide whether to cash in on a key player entering the final year of his deal or retain him for at least one more campaign as they attempt to improve on last season’s showing.

Ndlondlo featured prominently for Gallants in 2024-25, making 25 Betway Premiership appearances, and remains one of the most influential figures in their midfield.

Proven cup pedigree

Durban City’s interest is underpinned by Ndlondlo’s extensive cup pedigree.

He first made his name in knockout competition by helping Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila lift the Nedbank Cup in 2021, a run that showcased his ability to influence high-pressure matches.

In 2022, he joined Orlando Pirates, where his habit of collecting silverware continued. During his time with the Soweto club, Ndlondlo added two more Nedbank Cup winners’ medals and three MTN8 titles to his resume, underlining his status as one of the Premiership’s most decorated cup specialists in recent years.

That track record is seen as particularly attractive to Durban City, who are seeking players accustomed to the demands of knockout and continental football as they enter the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time.

Durban City building on breakthrough season

Durban City are looking to build on a breakthrough 2024-25 season in which they not only lifted the Nedbank Cup but also exceeded expectations in the league.

They finished in the top eight of the Betway Premiership, securing a place in the MTN8 and setting up a quarter-final clash against Orlando Pirates next weekend.

That tie adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Ndlondlo situation, with Durban City potentially facing his former club at a time when they are actively pursuing his signature.

As things stand, Gallants have not indicated publicly whether they are prepared to sanction a sale, and there has been no suggestion of personal terms being discussed with the player.

With the transfer window open and Durban City’s schedule intensifying, the coming days are likely to be decisive in determining whether Ndlondlo remains at Marumo Gallants for the final year of his contract or becomes a central piece of Durban City’s plans for their first foray into African competition.