Ndlovu earns Bafana Bafana call-up after fast start at Mamelodi Sundowns

Siyanda Ndlovu’s impressive start to life at Mamelodi Sundowns has earned the 23-year-old winger a place in the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya.

Ndlovu joined Sundowns from Lamontville Golden Arrows before the 2026/27 campaign, arriving at a club packed with established internationals and experienced players. Despite the competition for places, he has made a significant impact whenever given the opportunity.

His selection is especially notable because he was left out of the preliminary squad announced on October 23. Performances in the period since then have changed the picture, with Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane unable to overlook the winger’s contribution.

Mosimane said Ndlovu had won two Man of the Match awards in his last four appearances, while also providing goals and assists for the Brazilians.

That run has helped Sundowns record victories over Lamontville Golden Arrows, Durban City and Marumo Gallants in all competitions. Ndlovu’s display against his former club was particularly impressive, earning him the R100 000 Carling Knockout Player of the Match award.

The winger has made two goals, three assists and two pre-assists in his early appearances for Sundowns, underlining how quickly he has settled at one of South Africa’s leading clubs.

For Mosimane, though, Ndlovu’s appeal extends beyond his statistics. The coach has been impressed by the player’s direct approach in the attacking third, his willingness to challenge defenders one-on-one and his ability to make runs behind opposition defences.

Mosimane also compared elements of Ndlovu’s game with Sundowns forward Thapelo Maseko, who is currently unavailable because of injury.

“I like those wingers, you know? Turn around, go inside, one versus one, go past, bring the ball in the box, let’s tap it in,” Mosimane said.

The call-up does not guarantee Ndlovu international involvement, with Mosimane stressing that the player must first demonstrate that he can adjust to the demands of the national team.

“We still have to check him in the national team because the national team is not at the same level as club level,” he said.

Ndlovu will have the chance to make that adjustment when Bafana Bafana host Kenya on November 13 before travelling to Nairobi for the return fixture on November 17.

His progression from being omitted from the preliminary squad to receiving a national-team call-up in a short period reflects the impact of his early performances for Mamelodi Sundowns.