Siyanda Ndlovu: Bafana Bafana winger inspired by Doctor Khumalo comparison

Siyanda Ndlovu says being compared with South African football great Doctor Khumalo gave him pride and motivation as he worked towards earning international recognition.

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was likened to the former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana playmaker by his former mentor, Manqoba Mngqithi. Ndlovu believes Mngqithi’s tactical advice and faith in his attacking ability helped him develop into a player capable of competing at international level.

The 24-year-old’s breakthrough came at Lamontville Golden Arrows, where he made 75 senior Premiership appearances and scored eight goals. His performances earned him a high-profile move to Chloorkop before the start of the 2026/27 campaign.

During his emergence with Abafana Bes’thende, Ndlovu established himself as one of the Betway Premiership’s leading creative players. Over a 16-game spell, he scored four goals, provided five assists and created six big chances.

He has continued that form since joining Mamelodi Sundowns, recording four goals and three assists in nine league appearances. Those displays led to his inclusion in the national team setup, despite initially being left out of the preliminary squad.

‘Being likened to him made me happy’

Ndlovu spoke about the comparison during Bafana Bafana’s training camp at Wits Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday. He said watching Khumalo, even briefly, had made him appreciate the former Kaizer Chiefs player’s exceptional talent.

“I think the way I was playing and the way the coach made me play, it came to a point that he likened me to him,” the winger told journalists.

“So, it made me very happy cause I got a little time to watch him. But I saw how massive the talent he had was.

“So, being likened to him made me happy and I dreamt that the way I play could be at a high level and get to represent the national team.

“Maybe hearing those words made me perform the way I was at Arrows. I followed those words so I could become what I am.”

Ndlovu is now in camp under head coach Pitso Mosimane and could make his senior international debut when South Africa face Benni McCarthy’s Kenya in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifier.

Bafana Bafana will host the Harambee Stars in the opening match of their back-to-back tie at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00.