Siyanda Ndlovu shrugs off Orlando Pirates criticism after Mamelodi Sundowns move

Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Siyanda Ndlovu says he has not been affected by the social media abuse he received from angry Orlando Pirates supporters after a proposed move to the Buccaneers collapsed.

The 23-year-old had travelled to Gauteng intending to complete a transfer to Orlando Pirates. However, the deal fell through and Ndlovu eventually joined Sundowns, the CAF Champions League holders, at Chloorkop.

His decision to move to Mamelodi Sundowns rather than Orlando Pirates drew a hostile reaction from some Pirates fans. Several supporters used social media to vent their frustration, with Ndlovu revealing that he received a number of abusive messages on Instagram.

The forward said the criticism had not changed his outlook and insisted there was no personal dispute between him and Orlando Pirates.

“There’s nothing wrong between me [and Pirates],” said Ndlovu during an interview with Victor Molefe on Ukhozi FM.

“But the way they spoke to me on social media… I was getting messages on my Instagram, insulting me.

“But then I’m strong and I’m focusing on what I’m doing, where I am. What happened cannot be changed anymore.”

Ndlovu has since attempted to put the failed transfer behind him by concentrating on his new challenge at Sundowns. Rather than allowing the reaction to the proposed move to dominate his attention, he has turned his focus towards establishing himself at Chloorkop.

The attacker has made an encouraging start to life with Mamelodi Sundowns, attracting attention with his performances since completing the switch. He has played six matches across all competitions and has already offered indications of why Sundowns wanted to sign him.

Although the backlash from Orlando Pirates supporters followed the collapse of the transfer, Ndlovu appears determined to allow his football to define his time at Mamelodi Sundowns. His message is that the events surrounding the move are now over and cannot be altered.

Ndlovu had initially been expected to join the Buccaneers after travelling to Gauteng with that intention. The transfer did not reach completion, however, leaving Sundowns as the club where he would continue his career.

The move ultimately took him to the CAF Champions League holders at Chloorkop, where he is now working to make the most of the opportunity. His immediate priority is to maintain his focus, build on his first six appearances and earn a regular place in the Sundowns team.

For Ndlovu, the disagreement exists largely in the reaction to the transfer rather than between the player and Orlando Pirates themselves. Despite the insults directed at him online, he says he remains focused on his current surroundings and the work required at his new club.