The agent of new Mamelodi Sundowns winger Siyanda Ndlovu says his transfer to the club – despite interest from several suitors – happened in a flash, in one of the most dramatic transfer stories of the window.
Ndlovu, 22, enjoyed a breakout season with Golden Arrows under former Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who lauded the winger as one of the best talents in the country; one who could move beyond the traditional “big three” for his next step, with Europe touted as a possibility.
With four goals and eight assists, his partnership with Golden Boot winner Sede Dion was a joy to behold, alongside several other exciting talents such as Ayabulela Maxwele and Isaac Cisse, the latter of whom moved to Belgium’s Royal Charleroi.
While there was interest from abroad, the concrete offers came from Orlando Pirates and Sundowns – and Ndlovu opted for the 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.
“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.”
‘Skwishi’ was named in a couple of preliminary squads for the senior national team under former head coach Hugo Broos, and it seems only a matter of time before he makes his debut for the country, while he also remains eligible for the U23 set-up at present.
“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 endured a minor injury setback in pre-season but has since returned, making two cameo appearances off the bench that have brought widespread excitement among the Masandawana faithful.
Overall, during his time at Arrows, he racked up 74 appearances, scoring eight goals and providing 13 assists since breaking into the senior set-up as a promising teenager.
Story by Lorenz Kohler (@Lorenz_KO).
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