How Sundowns secured star’s signing from jaws of Pirates, Chiefs & Europe

Mamelodi Sundowns‘ signing Siyanda Ndlovu was close to making a move to Soweto giants Orlando Pirates.

Kaizer Chiefs were also linked with the versatile creative attacker, as well as several teams abroad. But it was the Sea Robbers who came closest to signing the 22-year-old, before Masandawana snapped him up.

In the 2025/26 season, he scored four goals and provided eight assists for Arrows across all competitions. It explains why top teams were keen on having Ndlovu in their team. Nevertheless, even after having the medicals, the Brazilians beat Bucs to the talented South African international.

Ndlovu’s agent Mike Makaab has now explained how Ndlovu’s move to Sundowns happened.

How Downs beat Pirates to Ndlovu

“I can tell you there was interest in Siyanda from Europe, and obviously there was a great deal of interest in him in South Africa, but the deal with Mamelodi Sundowns happened very quickly; in the blink of an eye,” he told iDiski Times.

“I’ve followed his progress over recent seasons and he’s incredibly coachable, and I think that’s what’s important. If you meet him, he’s a wonderful, humble young man — true to who he is. That’s what I think will be his biggest advantage.

“I think he doesn’t know how good he is, or the potential he has, but it’s a new chapter in his life. Before we get too excited, let’s hope he settles well at Sundowns – I thought he did really well when he came on.

“What I do like is that he plays with an air of confidence, and I don’t think he’s intimidated by the big occasions,” Makaab concluded.