Ndlovu says Khumalo comparison inspired Bafana Bafana breakthrough

Siyanda Ndlovu says being compared with South African football legend Doctor Khumalo helped drive his ambition to play for Bafana Bafana.

The 23-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns winger received his first call-up to the national team after catching the eye during his time with Golden Arrows. His move to Sundowns has since provided another platform for him to continue attracting attention with his performances.

Ndlovu was speaking at Wits Stadium as Bafana Bafana began preparing for their upcoming matches against Kenya. He admitted he had not expected to be invited into the national team so early in his career.

“I was really happy because I didn’t think I’d get a call-up this quickly, but I have to thank the coach for the opportunity and being able to see my performances and felt he could give me a chance,” he said.

The winger’s progress at Golden Arrows had previously prompted his former coach, Manqoba Mngqithi, to compare him with Doctor Khumalo. For Ndlovu, the comment carried particular significance because he had watched the former Bafana Bafana captain play.

He said the comparison was not simply flattering, but also strengthened his desire to reach international level.

“I think the way I was performing at Golden Arrows reached a level that drew those comparisons and that made me excited, I’m not gonna lie, because I watched him a little bit. So that made me happy and made me wish that one day I could get to a level as high as the national team.”

Ndlovu also acknowledged the role Mngqithi played in helping him sustain the level of performance that eventually led to his call-up.

“I think that’s one of the reasons that kept me performing and the coaching of coach Manqoba as well. I followed those words intently.”

His first training session with Bafana Bafana took place at Milpark Stadium, marking another step in a rapid rise that began with his performances for Golden Arrows and continued after joining Sundowns.

The upcoming Kenya double-header will give Ndlovu the opportunity to show whether he can carry his club form into the international environment. He will also be looking to impress Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane as he seeks to establish himself within the national-team setup.

For Ndlovu, the call-up represents the fulfilment of an ambition that was reinforced by the Khumalo comparison and supported by the guidance he received during his time at Golden Arrows.