‘I was told by many people!’ Ndaba opens up on challenge with Hotto at Pirates

Defender Nkosikhona Ndaba is among the players who joined Orlando Pirates in the off-season transfer window.

The 23-year-old has made 12 appearences so far for the Soweto since coming in from Richards Bay, four of which have been back to back. Interestingly, from his position he has a goal and two assists for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men who have been doing well domestically.

Ndaba has been involved in the Premier Soccer League seven times with a return of a goal and two assists.

However, Ndaba concedes it has not been easy coming up against veteran Namibia international Deon Hotto. The legendary versatile defender has made s1 outings across all competitions, of which he has started 17 times. and managed four assists and a goal to his name.

I’m learning a lot

In his interview with the media, Ndaba concedes he knew coming up against Hotto wasn’t going to be an easy contest. He is, nevertheless, enjoying the competition with his competitor.

“I was told by many people before I joined Pirates that I must know that it’ll be difficult to start ahead of Hotto and that motivated me a lot. I am learning a lot from him and I enjoy the competition because it helps me to grow as well,” he told the media.

“What has helped me to settle in well here at Pirates is that I am always focused. Also, the experienced players have helped me a lot in terms of motivating me to always behave well. Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sipho Chaine and Makhehlene Makhaula are the senior players I talked to the most and they have helped me a lot since I came here,” Ndaba concluded.

On Wednesday, Orlando Pirates host Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premier Soccer League outing at the Orlando Amstel Stadium. It is interesting to see who, between Ndaba and Hotto, will start the game.