Siyanda Ndlovu credits humility for fast start at Mamelodi Sundowns

Siyanda Ndlovu says humility and the advice of his experienced Mamelodi Sundowns team-mates have helped him make an immediate impact at the club and earn his first Bafana Bafana call-up.

The 23-year-old joined Sundowns from Golden Arrows before the 2026/27 season and quickly impressed with his performances. His form led to recognition from senior national team head coach Pitso Mosimane.

Ndlovu said he was surprised by the selection but grateful for the chance to prove himself after being noticed in his early matches for the club.

“I was so happy, because I did not expect it at the time. But I thank the coach for the way things happened, he saw my performances in the games I have played and he gave me a chance so I can show myself too,” Ndlovu said at a press briefing at Milpark Stadium.

The Dannhauser-born midfielder, affectionately known as ‘Skhwishi’, also explained how he has adjusted to life at Chloorkop, where he plays alongside established players with significant achievements in the game.

“For me after arriving, I realized that having pride in football does not help, you always have to be humble for you to perform,” he said.

“I think listening to the players at Sundowns has helped me, because they have achieved a lot.”

Ndlovu believes Sundowns’ exposure to major international competition has also been important to his development. The club recently won the FIFA African-Asian Pacific Cup and remain involved in the Intercontinental Cup.

He said taking part in those matches would help him understand the demands of playing against elite opposition and prepare him for bigger stages with Bafana Bafana.

“I think those games are very important, there is a lot of experience there. As a young player still coming up, it helps me a lot so that when I reach those big stages, I can be able to be at the level of those players from those experiences,” he added.

Having come through a similar background, Ndlovu also had a message for amateur footballers who hope to become professionals. He said players should remain focused, train properly and continue performing because opportunities can come unexpectedly.

“What I can say to them is that when the time comes, it has come. If you perform and train the right way, you never know who is watching wherever you are playing, so you need to stay focused and love your work, perform in any game you play,” he said.

“Chances are available, it does not matter if you are from the rural areas.”