Ndlondlo Eyes Redemption Against Pirates in Carling Cup All Stars Clash
Carling Cup All Stars attacker Phillip Ndlondlo says the upcoming match presents him with a second chance to redeem himself after his club, Marumo Gallants, lost to Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout Cup final last weekend.
Ndlondlo, who left Pirates at the end of last season, is part of the Carling All Stars team that will face the Buccaneers in the Carling Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, having been selected by fans.
The 30-year-old pint-sized midfielder would have featured in the match regardless — either through fan votes, as a winner with Gallants, or had he still been with Pirates, who lifted the Carling Knockout trophy last weekend for the first time since 2011.
“Either way, I would have been here, but it would have been amazing to come with the team [Gallants] as champions,” said Ndlondlo.
“But unfortunately, that didn’t happen. This is a second chance for me, being part of the All Stars team, which is another opportunity given to me.”
This marks the second time Ndlondlo has been selected for the Carling All Stars, having previously won the Carling Cup in 2023 against Stellenbosch at Peter Mokaba Stadium. Stellenbosch had qualified for that match after being crowned Carling Knockout champions in 2023, following their win over TS Galaxy in Durban.
“I think it’s a great initiative because when we started in 2023, I was with the guys, and that’s where we saw the likes of Mfundo [Vilakazi of Kaizer Chiefs],” Ndlondlo continued.
“It’s another opportunity for other players to make a name for themselves, to raise their hands at their clubs and show that they also deserve a chance to play.”
Meanwhile, Ndlondlo has been deployed as a false number nine by Gallants coach Alexandre Lafitte, a role in which he has reaped rewards by scoring three goals in four Carling Knockout Cup matches on their run to the final.
Although he is yet to find the back of the net in the league after 11 appearances, Ndlondlo says adapting to the position has not been difficult.
“As everyone can see, I’m playing as a false nine, and what I can say is that it’s all about adapting,” he said.
“With the experience I’ve gained from the clubs I’ve played for, it’s not a challenge to adapt to where the coach wants me to play and help the team.
“I’m also enjoying it because I’m closer to goal. I’m helping the team score and creating chances, which is the most important thing.”
