Siyanda Ndlovu earns Bafana Bafana call-up after strong Sundowns start

Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Siyanda Ndlovu has been included in the Bafana Bafana squad after Pitso Mosimane said the 23-year-old’s form and ability could no longer be overlooked.

Ndlovu was the surprise selection in the 27-man squad announced by Mosimane at SABC Studios today for next week’s two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya, with one match at Orlando Stadium and the other in Nairobi.

Known as Skhwishi, Ndlovu has made an impressive start for the Brazilians, registering two goals, three assists and two pre-assists.

He was not included in the preliminary squad, but his performances have forced his way into Mosimane’s plans. Ndlovu has also been named man of the match in successive Carling Knockout games and has been one of the most influential players in coach Miguel Cardoso’s side.

“I think, if you look at these last four games, I think he came out with two Man of the Matches, scoring, assists, also not about scoring. Deliberate player, a little bit of a duplicate to Thapelo Maseko right and I like those wingers, you know. Turn around, go inside, one v one, go past, bring the ball in the box, let’s tap it in,” Mosimane said.

“Those are my kind of wingers, you know why? Because it’s business, it’s deliberate and do you score? Of course, you must score also, you can’t tell us about assists and you don’t score. He’s that kind of player, who has intensity.”

Mosimane said Ndlovu would now be assessed at international level as part of the group of players being developed for the national team.

“But we still have to check him in the national team because the national team is not at the same level as club level. So, we have to check him in the national team, how he is and if he can fit in,” the coach explained.

The coach added that Thapelo Maseko’s injury had created an opportunity to widen the squad, while the lack of friendly matches before the finals had made it necessary to evaluate players during competitive camps.

“Thapelo is injured, we need to create a big pool of players, we don’t have time. I’m not like Rassie [Erasmus] who can take an England tour, Australian tour, what, what tour.

“I don’t have that, I have to follow what FIFA gives me and at the moment there’s no friendly games until the finals, so how am I gonna see these players who are doing well. I need to bring them inside the camp, train with them and see them.”