“It’s Not Always About What You Want”: Cardoso Issues Honest Assessment Of Ndlovu
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has praised Siyanda Ndlovu’s adaptability, insisting that the midfielder must prioritise the team’s needs while continuing to develop at Chloorkop.
Ndlovu signed for Sundowns on a four-year deal from Golden Arrows during the 2026 off-season window following a stellar 2025/26 campaign where he completed 84% of his progressive passes in Abafana Bes’Thende’s engine room.
Ndlovu made his Sundowns debut in their Betway Premiership draw against Kaizer Chiefs, coming off the bench in the second half as he began his journey with the Brazilians.
Since then, the former Golden Arrows player has featured in every match for Sundowns, starting three games — twice against Golden Arrows and once against AmaZulu. During this period, Ndlovu has been used mainly as a right winger and, at times, as a No. 10.
The 23-year-old is still waiting to score his first goal or register his first assist for the reigning African champions, but Cardoso believes his willingness to adapt to different roles is an important quality.
“Of course, I know he can play inside, on the left or on the right,” Cardoso said.
“But sometimes, he has to play on the left, even if that is not his preferred position. This is football. It is not always about what you want; it is about what the team needs.
“Antonio Van Wyk, for example, has played on the right in midfield, although he probably prefers to play on the left, either outside or inside, where he feels he is better.
“But you have to compromise for the team, depending on the momentum of the game and the availability of the players.
“Obviously, we have the capacity to put players in their best positions, and we always want to get the best out of them. But having the ability to play for the team, to adapt and do things that help the team is important. He is doing that very well.”
Cardoso also believes Ndlovu will become increasingly effective as he gets more opportunities at Chloorkop, while stressing that he should not feel pressured to produce something spectacular every time he plays.
“You don’t always see extraordinary things from him, but he does a lot of important things,” he added.
“The other day, everybody expected him to do something extraordinary, but he simply played a very good match. You didn’t necessarily see anything spectacular, but you saw many good qualities and attributes from a very good player.
“I hope he can continue like this because, with time, the game will give him opportunities to do those things naturally, without the pressure of having to do them.
“When he comes off the bench, there are usually more spaces, and for a player like him, everything is easier. When he starts a match, the spaces are different, and he has to play a different type of game.”
Ndlovu will now be hoping to continue making a positive impression for Sundowns and finally open his account for the club when the African champions face Milford at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday in another Betway Premiership encounter.
