Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has revealed what impressed him about Mamelodi Sundowns youngster Siyanda Ndlovu, explaining why the winger earned his first national team call-up.
The 22-year-old, popularly known as ‘Skwishi’, has been included in Mosimane’s final squad for South Africa’s upcoming back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya.
Ndlovu was not part of the initial preliminary squad, but his impressive performances at club level forced him into contention. According to Mosimane, the youngster’s recent contributions in front of goal played a major role in his selection.
Mosimane compares Ndlovu to Thapelo Maseko
Mosimane revealed that Ndlovu’s performances in his last four matches caught his attention, particularly after collecting two Man of the Match awards, scoring goals and providing assists.
The Bafana coach also compared the Sundowns youngster to Thapelo Maseko, another winger whose style of play he appreciates.
Mosimane explained that he prefers direct, attacking wingers who are willing to take on defenders, attack the space behind the opposition’s defence and deliver dangerous balls into the penalty area.
He believes Ndlovu possesses those qualities and can offer the kind of attacking threat he wants from wide players.
However, the coach stressed that creating opportunities is not enough. Wingers must also contribute goals and make their attacking performances count.
First Bafana call-up does not guarantee playing time
Despite being impressed by Ndlovu’s club performances, Mosimane has warned that earning a national team call-up does not automatically mean a player will feature in the starting XI.
The coach wants to assess how the 22-year-old adapts to the demands of international football and whether his qualities can translate into the Bafana Bafana setup.
Mosimane believes performing well at club level and delivering for the national team are two different challenges. Ndlovu will therefore have to prove that he can fit into the team’s tactical system.
Why Mosimane is expanding the Bafana Bafana squad
The national team coach also explained his decision to introduce new players into the squad, pointing to the importance of building a larger pool of options.
With Thapelo Maseko injured, Mosimane sees an opportunity to assess other players who have been performing consistently for their clubs.
Unlike teams with several international tours and friendly matches to evaluate their players, Bafana Bafana have limited opportunities outside the official FIFA international windows.
Mosimane explained that bringing promising players into camp allows his technical team to work with them, assess their abilities and determine whether they can contribute to the national team.
He emphasised that selection is also recognition of good club form, rather than a promise of immediate playing time.
Siyanda Ndlovu gets his chance to impress
Ndlovu’s inclusion represents an important milestone in his career. The Sundowns winger now has an opportunity to demonstrate that his impressive domestic performances can translate onto the international stage.
Mosimane clearly values his direct approach, ability to beat defenders and contributions in the final third.
The challenge for ‘Skwishi’ will be to show that he can deliver those qualities in a Bafana Bafana shirt as South Africa prepares for its AFCON qualifying battles against Kenya.
