Ndlovu says Mngqithi prepared him for life at Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns winger Siyanda Ndlovu says former coach Manqoba Mngqithi deliberately prepared him for the club’s demanding style during their season together at Lamontville Golden Arrows.

The 24-year-old has quickly adapted since moving to Chloorkop and has become one of the most sought-after players in the PSL. Ndlovu believes that progress is largely the result of the tactical work he completed under Mngqithi, who had already identified him as a suitable player for the Brazilians.

Mngqithi, who recently coached Young Africans, spent the campaign developing Ndlovu with Mamelodi Sundowns’ complex playing philosophy in mind. That groundwork allowed the winger to understand the tactical expectations at his new club almost immediately.

“He (Mngqithi) always told me, ‘With the work I have done on you, if you go to Sundowns, it will be easier, and I want you to go there,’” Ndlovu said via the Mamelodi Sundowns YouTube channel.

“When it eventually happened, I was very happy because I knew that he (Mngqithi) would also be happy. He had drilled me the whole season for Sundowns.

“That made it easy. That’s why when I got to Sundowns, I fitted in because I am used to the way they played. Manqoba integrated me into it.”

From a proposed Pirates move to Sundowns

Ndlovu’s move to Mamelodi Sundowns followed a dramatic off-season transfer saga involving Orlando Pirates.

The winger appeared set to join the cross-town rivals after travelling to Johannesburg, completing a medical examination and seeing the two clubs agree on a transfer fee.

However, negotiations reportedly stalled over late disagreements about his personal financial terms. Mamelodi Sundowns then moved quickly to take advantage of the situation, completing the deal and unveiling Ndlovu at Chloorkop.

Since putting that uncertainty behind him, Ndlovu has continued to make an impression for the reigning African champions. His immediate focus is now on knockout football, with Mamelodi Sundowns preparing to face Lamontville Golden Arrows in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals.

The match is scheduled for Tuesday, 3 November 2026, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. Kick-off is set for 19:00 SA time, with Ndlovu facing his former employers as Mamelodi Sundowns attempt to secure a place in the semi-finals.