Siyanda Ndlovu’s remarkable journey from amateur football to Bafana Bafana

Siyanda Ndlovu’s rapid emergence at Mamelodi Sundowns has earned him a place in the Bafana Bafana squad and provided inspiration for players trying to make the journey from amateur football.

The 23-year-old attacker, known as ‘Skhwishi’, was included in the final squad announced on Thursday for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) back-to-back qualifiers against Kenya.

His call-up is the latest step in an unexpected rise which began in the rural village of Dannhauser in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Ndlovu started out with Happy Crown FC in the fourth-tier SAB League before moving to Newcastle All Stars in the third-tier Motsepe League. His performances attracted the attention of Lamontville Golden Arrows, the Durban club renowned for identifying emerging talent.

They signed him for their DStv Diski Challenge team in 2022, and he continued to develop before making his senior Premier Soccer League debut in 2023.

Former Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi changed Ndlovu’s position from winger to playmaker, where he impressed. After joining Mamelodi Sundowns at the beginning of the season, however, coach Miguel Cardoso moved him back to the flank.

There had initially been concern that Ndlovu would struggle to find regular opportunities at Chloorkop, given the competition for a place on the right side of the attack. Thapelo Morena, Antonio van Wyk and Kutlwano Letlhaku were among the players competing for that position.

Ndlovu also faced a crowded midfield, with Nuno Santos, Arthur Sales, Cassius Mailula, Sphelele Mkhulise, Thabo Cele and Tsiki Ntsabeleng also able to operate in central areas.

Instead, he has established himself as one of Sundowns’ important players. His form also impressed Pitso Mosimane, who returned for his second spell as Bafana Bafana coach in early September.

Ndlovu received two man-of-the-match awards for Sundowns in recent weeks, while strong displays in victories over Marumo Gallants, Durban City and Lamontville Golden Arrows helped him force his way into the final squad.

That was particularly notable because he had not been selected for Mosimane’s preliminary group announced last month.

His progress has come despite Sundowns’ early exit from the Champions League. The South African club will not play any more matches in the competition this season after being eliminated by Angolan side Wiliete SC in the second preliminary round.

As Bafana Bafana prepared to face Benni McCarthy’s Kenya at Orlando Stadium on Friday at 18:00, Ndlovu reflected on an extraordinary few weeks.

“I am happy for the opportunities and I did not expect things to happen so quickly,” he said. “I want to thank coach [Mosimane] because he saw my performances and he has given me a chance to show what I can do.”