‘Those words actually pushed me’: Ndlovu answers doubters after Sundowns MTN8 triumph

Siyanda 'Skhwishi' Ndlovu, a winger for Mamelodi Sundowns, expressed that doubts about his ability to make an impact at the club motivated him to compete for a starting position following their MTN8 victory. Ndlovu came off the bench in the second half of Sundowns' 2-0 win over Orlando Pirates and scored the stoppage-time penalty that secured the win.

This was particularly satisfying for Ndlovu as it marked his second trophy with Sundowns and his first victory in the MTN8 competition, which he had not played before this season. The winger's transfer to Sundowns, a high-profile move that drew significant attention, was questioned due to concerns over whether he would receive consistent playing time amidst competition from established players.

Instead of being discouraged by the criticism, Ndlovu says it pushed him to prove himself. "Those remarks actually pushed me, the fact that I'm coming into a team that has quality players means I must compete to be able to claim my position," he stated. His previous experience at Golden Arrows, where he played under former coach Manqoba Mngqithi, helped ease his transition to Sundowns.

Ndlovu's performance against Pirates showcased his potential and demonstrated how his direct running and willingness to challenge defenders contributed to Sundowns' attacking threat. The win was Sundowns' fifth MTN8 title, denying Pirates a historic fifth consecutive triumph. For Ndlovu, the next step is to transform these influential appearances into consistent performances and secure a starting role as Sundowns continue their pursuit of multiple trophies.