“I Was Already In Jozi For My Pirates Medical” — Ndlovu Opens Up On Shock Sundowns Hijack & Fan Backlash
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Siyanda Ndlovu has opened up about how his expected move to Orlando Pirates dramatically changed before he eventually joined the reigning African champions.
The 23-year-old was on the verge of joining Pirates from Golden Arrows during the off-season and had already travelled to Johannesburg to undergo his medical with the Buccaneers.
However, the move unexpectedly collapsed, with Ndlovu instead finding himself at Sundowns, where he has settled well under head coach Miguel Cardoso at Chloorkop.
Speaking on Prime Time Sport on Ukhozi FM, Ndlovu explained how quickly the situation changed and admitted that even his family back home were surprised by the unexpected turn of events.
“I think everything happened very fast because everything happened while I was in Johannesburg,” he said.
“I arrived in Johannesburg because I was supposed to join Pirates. I don’t know how things changed, but I suddenly found myself at Sundowns, where I was welcomed.
“I won’t tell you exactly how I ended up leaving Pirates, but my boss at Golden Arrows told me that we were now going to sign for Sundowns.
“Back home, they were worried about me. They kept asking whether I was training with Pirates and were waiting for the club to announce me.
“They were surprised because I arrived at Pirates on Monday, and even by Wednesday, nothing had happened. Then I ended up joining Sundowns, so they were shocked when they saw me being announced by Sundowns.”
Ndlovu has since moved on from the uncertainty surrounding his transfer and has begun a new chapter with Sundowns. The midfielder has featured in six games for Cardoso’s side but is still waiting for his first goal or assist since making the switch to Chloorkop.
However, Ndlovu’s move to Sundowns also came with an unwanted reaction from some Pirates supporters, who expressed their disappointment after the midfielder failed to join the Buccaneers.
The 2026 KZN Sports Personality of the Year revealed that he received harsh messages on social media following his move but insisted that he did not allow the criticism to affect him.
“The way some Pirates fans spoke about me was not good,” he added.
“Some of them even sent me harsh messages on Instagram. But I didn’t listen to all of that because I’m a resilient person.
“Whatever happened, happened, and they must accept it because we cannot change what has already happened.”
Having now put the transfer saga behind him, Ndlovu will be looking to make his mark at Sundowns as he continues to adapt to life at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
His next opportunity could come against a familiar opponent when Sundowns travel to King Zwelithini Stadium to face Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership on Sunday.
The fixture will give Ndlovu the chance to face his former club for the third time since leaving Arrows, while he will also be hoping to finally register his first goal or assist for the Brazilians.
