Siyanda Ndlovu says Sundowns doubts motivated him to make an impact

Siyanda Ndlovu says questions over whether he would earn regular playing time at Mamelodi Sundowns motivated him to work harder and compete for his place.

The winger was speaking after Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates 2-0 in Saturday’s MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium to claim the trophy.

Ndlovu has now won two honours since joining the Tshwane club. He also played a part in Sundowns’ success in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup, secured with victory over Al Ahli Saudi three weeks ago.

Rather than being discouraged by doubts about his prospects at the club, Ndlovu said the competition within the squad pushed him to raise his standards.

“Those talks really pushed me for me to compete because Sundowns players have quality,” said Ndlovu.

“I also had to pull up my socks in a right way so I can claim a position. I believe those [who said that] helped me a lot.”

Ndlovu also credited the similarities between Sundowns’ approach and the football he played at Golden Arrows for helping him settle quickly at Chloorkop.

The winger previously worked under coach Manqoba Mngqithi at Arrows and believes that experience eased his transition to the Brazilians.

“I think adjusting at Sundowns was so easy for me because the football we played at Arrows under coach Manqoba [Mngqithi] is almost the same with Sundowns’ style of play. So, it made things easier for me to adjust,” he added.