MTN8

‘I Had to Pull Up My Socks’: Ndlovu on Sundowns Challenge

You are currently viewing ‘I Had to Pull Up My Socks’: Ndlovu on Sundowns Challenge
Gamphani Lungu of Orlando Pirates challenged by Siyanda Ndlovu of Mamelodi Sundowns during the 2026 MTN8 Final match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10 October 2026 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns winger Siyanda Ndlovu has revealed how the challenge of competing for a place among the Brazilians’ quality-filled squad pushed him to raise his game.

The 23-year-old arrives at the club after completing his move from fellow Betway Premiership outfit Golden Arrows.

Ndlovu has since cemented his place in the Brazilians squad and has become a key member of the team under Miguel Cardoso.

The former Golden Arrows player also credited his time working under coach Manqoba Mngqithi for making his transition to Chloorkop much easier, explaining that the similarities in playing style helped him adapt quickly to life at his new club.

“Those talks really pushed me for me to compete because Sundowns players have quality,” said Ndlovu.

“I also had to pull up my socks in a right way so I can claim a position. I believe those [who said that] helped me a lot.

“I think adjusting at Sundowns was so easy for me because the football we played at Arrows under coach Manqoba [Mngqithi] is almost the same with Sundowns’ style of play.

“So, it made things easier for me to adjust.”