Sibiya’s Advice To Ndlovu On How To Handle Being A PSL Target
Golden Arrows attacker Nduduzo Sibiya says he has advised Siyanda Ndlovu that being targeted by opponents is part of the game, especially when a player is performing well.
He added that it is now up to Ndlovu to be smarter in how he approaches matches.
Sibiya, who was highly rated in the PSL nearly 10 years ago and regarded in the same bracket as Ndlovu is today, said they have reminded the youngster that defenders will start kicking him and that tough days—where things don’t go his way—are inevitable.
Ndlovu recently scooped both the Betway Premiership Player of the Month and Goal of the Month awards for October.
The 23-year-old has been instrumental for Abafana Bes’thende, scoring three goals and providing three assists in five matches over the two-month period.
His Goal of the Month came against Stellenbosch, where he collected the ball near the centre circle, beat several defenders and calmly slotted past Sage Stephens.
However, that was also the last time he found the net, and his dip in goals has coincided with Arrows losing their last three matches in all competitions.
“For now, Skhwishi is going to be a target for defenders because of the way he is playing,” said Sibiya.
“If you are quick and skilful, and people start noticing you, defenders will target you and try to kick you.
“From my side, he must continue doing what he has been doing and not change. We talk to him in situations like this about what he can do to avoid being easily marked.
“As a player, you cannot play the same way in every game—you have to make small adjustments here and there. But he shouldn’t change too much, because defenders will still kick him regardless.”
Sibiya, now a veteran at the club, speaks from personal experience.
In the 2016/17 Nedbank Cup round of 16 against Mamelodi Sundowns, he famously feinted his run and used a brilliant piece of skill to wrong-foot the late Modjeka Madisha. Clean through on goal, he went on to beat Kennedy Mweene and helped Arrows progress to the quarter-finals.
Before that match, Sibiya had been linked with moves to Orlando Pirates and Sundowns, both reportedly keen on his signature at the time.
“I think coach Mandla Ncikazi, who was the assistant coach then, played a huge role,” said Sibiya.
“There was an article published on a Thursday claiming Sundowns wanted me, and we were playing them that Saturday. I didn’t read the article—I only heard about it from the coach.
“He told me, ‘Things like this are meant to distract you because we have a big game coming up.’ I didn’t pay much attention to it, and I didn’t take it seriously.”
