Siyanda Ndlovu’s move to Mamelodi Sundowns completed ‘in the blink of an eye’

Siyanda Ndlovu’s transfer to Mamelodi Sundowns was completed almost instantly, despite interest from Europe and domestic rivals Orlando Pirates, according to the winger’s agent.

Ndlovu, 22, emerged as one of the most promising players in South African football during a breakthrough campaign with Golden Arrows. His performances came under former Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who described him as one of the country’s leading young talents and suggested his next move could take him beyond South Africa’s traditional “big three”, with a move to Europe considered a possibility.

However, although Ndlovu attracted attention from overseas, the firm offers came from Orlando Pirates and Sundowns. The player ultimately chose a move to Chloorkop.

“I can tell you there was interest in Siyanda from Europe, and obviously there was a great deal of interest in him in South Africa, but the deal with Mamelodi Sundowns happened very quickly in the blink of an eye,” his agent, Mike Makaab of ProSport International, told iDiski Times.

Ndlovu made a significant impact for Golden Arrows last season, scoring four goals and supplying eight assists. His combination with Golden Boot winner Sede Dion was one of the highlights of the campaign, while he also featured alongside other promising players including Ayabulela Maxwele and Isaac Cisse.

Cisse has since moved to Belgium, where he joined Royal Charleroi.

Makaab believes Ndlovu’s attitude and willingness to learn will help him adapt to the demands of playing for Sundowns. The winger has been given the nickname ‘Skwishi’ and was included in two preliminary senior South Africa squads selected by former head coach Hugo Broos.

He remains eligible for the Under-23 side and is yet to make his senior international debut, although his first appearance for the national team is regarded as a likely development.

“I’ve followed his progress over recent seasons and he’s incredibly coachable, and I think that’s what’s important. If you meet him, he’s a wonderful, humble young man true to who he is. That’s what I think will be his biggest advantage.”

The agent has urged patience as Ndlovu begins what is described as a new chapter in his career. The winger suffered a minor injury during pre-season but has now returned to action, making two substitute appearances for Sundowns.

Those brief outings have already generated considerable excitement among the club’s supporters, known as the Masandawana faithful.

“I think he doesn’t know how good he is, or the potential he has, but it’s a new chapter in his life. Before we get too excited, let’s hope he settles well at Sundowns – I thought he did really well when he came on.

“What I do like is that he plays with an air of confidence, and I don’t think he’s intimidated by the big occasions.”

Ndlovu made 74 appearances for Golden Arrows after breaking into the senior team as a promising teenager. During that spell, he scored eight goals and registered 13 assists.

The story was written by Lorenz Kohler (@Lorenz_KO).