Ndlovu says Sundowns experience prepared him for Bafana Bafana call-up

Siyanda Ndlovu says his time at Mamelodi Sundowns has equipped him for the demands of international football after receiving his first call-up to the South Africa squad.

The forward has been included as Bafana Bafana prepare for back-to-back AFCON qualifiers against Kenya.

Ndlovu is the only new face in the squad, having earned a surprise selection despite being omitted from the preliminary team.

The player believes his involvement in demanding competitions with Mamelodi Sundowns has accelerated his development and helped him prepare for the step up to the national side.

He highlighted the FIFA African-Asian Pacific Cup and CAF Super Cup as particularly valuable experiences, saying the intensity of those matches had given him important exposure in a short period.

“I think those games were very important because the experience we get there is massive,” said Ndlovu.

“For me as a young player, still growing up, it helps a lot when this kind of opportunity [to represent the national team] comes, to be able to play along with my teammates here because their experience is on another level.”

Ndlovu also spoke of his happiness at finally receiving the opportunity to represent South Africa after working patiently towards a place in the squad.

Representing the national team had been one of his main ambitions, he said, while he thanked coach Pitso Mosimane for giving him the chance.

“I think I’m very happy because when you’re a player, one of the main goals is representing the national team,” he added.

“I would like to thank coach Pitso Mosimane to give me a chance because I’ve been working hard to get it.”