Mngqithi: Ndlovu Has Bigger Ambitions Than A “Bus Trip To Joburg”
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi insists star attacker Siyanda Ndlovu has greater ambitions than making a short move to Johannesburg amid interest from Gauteng giants.
Ndlovu has been one of Arrows’ standout performers this season and has reportedly attracted attention from Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
This publication previously revealed that Pirates were monitoring Ndlovu, along with Ivorian midfielder Isaac Cisse. Subsequent reports suggested Sundowns had tabled an offer for the attacker, although it remains unclear whether it has been accepted.
Speaking ahead of Arrows’ Nedbank Cup round-of-16 clash against Stellenbosch F.C. on Saturday, Mngqithi said speculation linking Ndlovu with a move to Gauteng has not unsettled the player.
“He Has Bigger Ambitions”
“Generally, it’s very tough for a coach to deal with these situations because players react differently,” said Mngqithi.
“Some, once they hear rumours about themselves or see their pictures in the media after one good match, you can already see a change in behaviour. Suddenly they think they are too big — they can’t fit into taxis or Ubers anymore and expect special treatment.
“But with Skhwishi, it’s different. He’s a very humble boy. He still values learning because he knows there are areas of his game that I’m not completely happy with. He understands how much he can still improve at Golden Arrows before anything else.”
Mngqithi also downplayed the reports linking Ndlovu with a transfer.
“Most of these rumours are not concrete. Sometimes clubs speak in the media to destabilise situations, not because there’s anything tangible. At this stage, I can tell you there is nothing tangible.
“Talk is often escalated so that the club becomes frustrated or the player starts asking to leave. But Skhwishi is a marvel to work with — one of the hardest-working players, very professional, very grounded.
“He has never given us any problems. He’s serious every day at training, among the first to arrive on the pitch and in the video analysis room.
“He works hard to review his matches and asks for advice. When a young player comes and says, ‘Coach, you asked us to do this, but I did that and made a mistake because I thought it would work better,’ you can guide him and see the growth in his performances.”
Tactical Growth Key to Improvement
Mngqithi highlighted Ndlovu’s improved positional awareness as a major factor in his development.
“Probably the biggest difference now is his positioning. In the past, he would dribble past full-backs on the wing and cross from deep areas.
“Now, most of his dribbles are in the assist zone, in the half-spaces or central corridors. That has helped him improve significantly in terms of assists and goals.”
Despite ongoing speculation, Mngqithi remains confident the player’s focus is intact.
“I can honestly say I don’t have any concerns at this stage, and I don’t foresee any problems.
“The boy has even bigger ambitions than what people think will entice him. He believes he has the potential to achieve far more than just a bus trip to Joburg.”
