Beganovic Backs Ndamane To Play For Big Club
TS Galaxy coach Adnan Beganovic believes defender Khulumane Ndamane has all the qualities any coach could ask for and says he is a player Bafana Bafana can rely on at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals later this year.
Ndamane’s rise at Galaxy has been nothing short of remarkable. The 21-year-old has become a key figure in the team and was at the heart when Galaxy’s achievement of a club-record fifth-place finish in the Betway Premiership last season.
A product of the Kaizer Chiefs academy, Ndamane made his professional breakthrough last season and was linked with a move to Mamelodi Sundowns during the off-season following his impressive performances for Galaxy.
His progress earned him a first call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad, where coach Hugo Broos handed him his debut in a friendly against Tanzania in June.
It was a dream start — Ndamane was named Man of the Match on his debut. He later featured for 30 minutes as Bafana Bafana beat Lesotho 3–0 in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September.
With Broos facing a defensive crisis ahead of the decisive qualifier against Rwanda earlier this month — after Mbekezeli Mbokazi was sent off in a frustrating draw against Zimbabwe — concerns grew about who would partner Nkosinathi Sibisi in defence.
But with Nigeria helping South Africa’s qualification chances elsewhere, Broos placed his faith in Ndamane, starting him alongside Sibisi in the must-win clash. The youngster showed composure beyond his years as Bafana Bafana secured a commanding 3–0 victory to book their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“From the beginning, when he arrived, just like young players such as Puso Dithejane, Khulumane has always been special,” said Beganovic.
“He has a beautiful pass — he can break two or three lines with a single ball, and I don’t see many players in this league who can do that. He’s strong in the air, his long passes are perfect, and his short distribution is sharp. This is only his second season, and I don’t think he has even reached 40 games yet.”
The KwaZulu-Natal–born defender has made 38 appearances for Galaxy and scored two goals.
“With time, he’ll only get better and better,” Beganovic added, speaking after Galaxy’s Carling Knockout quarter-final defeat to Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
“He deserves to play for one of the best clubs in the league and to be a top, top player. I believe he should go to the AFCON — and he can start every game because he has the quality. He played 90 minutes against Rwanda and performed brilliantly as Bafana Bafana qualified for the World Cup.
“He deserves to be in the squad for both the AFCON and the World Cup.”
The AFCON 2025 tournament will take place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
