Siyanda Ndlovu Starts for Sundowns Against Former Club Golden Arrows
Siyanda Ndlovu will have a point to prove when he makes his first start for Mamelodi Sundowns against the club where he made his name, Golden Arrows, in a high stakes MTN8 semi final first leg on Sunday.
Sundowns host Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium, with kick off scheduled for 3pm, and the spotlight will fall heavily on the diminutive winger as he faces his former teammates for the first time in a competitive starting role for the Brazilians.
Ndlovu joined Sundowns following an impressive campaign with Abafana Bes’thende, where his pace, direct running and attacking ability helped establish him as one of the league’s exciting young players.
Since arriving at Chloorkop, however, the attacker has largely been used from the bench.
That changes on Sunday.
Ndlovu Gets His Big Chance Against Arrows
Coach Miguel Cardoso has rewarded Ndlovu with a starting place in one of Sundowns’ biggest matches of the early season.
He will spearhead the Sundowns attack alongside Cassius Mailula and Lebo Mothiba as the hosts look to take control of the first leg before the return fixture.
The decision gives Ndlovu an immediate opportunity to make an impact against the side that helped put him on the map.
It also adds an intriguing personal storyline to an already important cup encounter.
Cardoso Makes Several Changes
Cardoso has made a number of changes to his starting XI, with several regular starters rested for the first leg.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and defender Grant Kekana are not included in the matchday squad, while Tashrique Mathews and Bryan Leon have been named among the substitutes.
Sundowns will also have to cope without Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena and defender Khuliso Mudau.
Mudau’s absence is particularly significant after he suffered an Achilles injury in Sundowns’ previous match. The defender is expected to spend a lengthy period on the sidelines.
Despite those absences, Sundowns still field a strong attacking line-up as they attempt to gain an advantage before the second leg.
Sundowns XI vs Golden Arrows
Sundowns XI: Goss, Johannes, Khoza, Mdunyelwa, Modiba, Allende, Aubass, B. Mokoena, Ndlovu, Mailula, Mothiba.
Substitutes: Onyango, Mvala, Basadien, Morena, Mkhulise, Zwane, Mathews, Santos, Leon.
Golden Arrows XI vs Sundowns
Golden Arrows will start with Maova, Shezi, Agnikoi, Mabaso, Maluleke, Gasa, Zwane, Dlamini, Maxwele, Dion and Sithole.
Substitutes: Mbanjwa, Mbatha, Matshiyane, Madonsela, Karelse, T. Khumalo, Van Rooi, Ousmane, P. Khumalo.
All Eyes on Ndlovu
For Ndlovu, Sunday’s match represents more than another appearance in the Sundowns colours.
The winger will be coming up against familiar faces and the club that gave him a platform to showcase his talent. Now, he has the chance to demonstrate why Sundowns moved to secure his services.
The pressure will be significant, but so will the opportunity.
With a place in the MTN8 final at stake, Ndlovu’s first start could become one of the defining moments of Sundowns’ campaign.
