Ntsabeleng: Patience Paying Off

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Tsiki Ntsabeleng has emphasised that patience has been key during his time at the club as he continues to earn opportunities under coach Miguel Cardoso.

Ntsabeleng joined the Brazilians on loan from Major League Soccer outfit Dallas FC. He was among the players sidelined by coach Miguel Cardoso at the start of the season, but he has begun to see some game time in the second round of the campaign.

“I think, as we all know, Mamelodi Sundowns is a big team,” said Ntsabeleng.

“There are a lot of quality players, and this is a big squad as well. So everyone has to wait for their opportunity, and when it comes, they have to grab it with both hands. So I think the biggest part has been patience and working hard while staying patient.”

Ntsabeleng said he needs to contribute more goals and assists for the team, noting that this is an area of his game he needs to improve.

“There have been some good, solid performances; it’s just now a matter of getting on the stats sheet: getting a goal, getting an assist, helping the team climb on top of the log and open a gap as much as possible so that we can also do well in the CAF Champions League,” Ntsabeleng stated.

The 28-year-old added that he anticipates a difficult Betway Premiership clash against Orbit College at Olympia Park on Tuesday.

While Sundowns continue their push for the top of the log and currently sit in second place with 44 points and tied with log-leaders Orlando Pirates, Orbit is battling relegation at the bottom, sitting in 15th position with 18 points.

“I think it’s going to be a difficult game,” said Ntsabeleng.

“Every game, the teams come prepared when they play Mamelodi Sundowns. It’s always a tough one. My prediction is that we are going to have most of the ball and try to break them down like any other game.

“It’s going to be difficult, like you said, they are fighting for their status. So they are going to do as much as they can to make sure that they get a point or three.”