Siyanda Ndlovu celebrates first Mamelodi Sundowns trophy on his birthday

Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Siyanda Ndlovu says winning the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup on his birthday has given his first months at the club an especially memorable start.

The 24-year-old joined the Tshwane giants from Golden Arrows during the current transfer window and has quickly established himself in head coach Miguel Cardoso’s plans, earning regular playing time.

Ndlovu was involved as Mamelodi Sundowns beat Al Ahli Saudi 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday to lift the trophy. He came on as a substitute and played the final eight minutes of the match.

The victory also fell on Ndlovu’s birthday, allowing him to mark the occasion by celebrating his first piece of silverware with the Brazilians.

“I don’t even know what to say, the way I’m so happy,” Ndlovu said on Sundowns TV.

“And this happened during my birthday, it’s massive to me. I’m so happy.”

The attacker said the club’s latest success had increased his determination to add further trophies during the season.

“I’m looking forward to winning even more trophies this season,” he added. “We have just started with this one, and it’s ‘FIFA’ special one, we must go on to other ones.”

Mamelodi Sundowns are now targeting a place in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, where they would face European champions Paris Saint-Germain.

“We want to play PSG eventually and that’s where we’re going,” said Ndlovu.