Ex-PSL coach Joey Antipas has named one outstanding Orlando Pirates star whom he believes AmaZulu FC should have never let go after plucking him from the ABC Motsepe League.
Coach Antipas spent a single season in the DStv Premiership at the helm of AmaZulu from July 2016 to August 2017.
The Zimbabwean gaffer did not really achieve anything tangible for the club during his stint in KwaZulu-Natal. But he prides himself on plucking out players who have gone on to be revered stars in the DStv Premiership.
Earlier, this year Antipas revealed to FARPost how he gave two Kaizer Chiefs stars a new lease of life in football.
The players are Siyethemba Sithebe and Njabulo Ngcobo. Sithebe and Ngcobo are both well-established players but how they rose is not as rosy as it looks.
WHO AMAZULU FC SHOULD HAVE KEPT
It is during that period when Antipas identified Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, a player he believes AmaZulu should have jealousy held onto.
“I spotted Ndlondlo [Ndabayithethwa] when I watched an ABC Motsepe League match early in 2017. He was playing for Izinyoka FC,” Antipas told FARPost.
“For me, it was clear that he is a top-quality player despite being short. He dominated despite his height and that really impressed me.
“I worked out my way to have him come to AmaZulu. He eventually did. But it’s unfortunate that he came a month before I left. So I never got to play him. Sadly, he was also discarded not so long after I left. It’s sad. I believe he never got the opportunity to really show what he has to offer.
“I’m glad Marumo Gallants gave him the space to prove himself. Look now, he is a regular and very forceful for Orlando Pirates as they enjoy the current season.”
The midfielder, Ndlondlo had a six-month stay at AmaZulu before joining Tshakuma Tsha Madzivandila in January 2018.
He is one of the players who were retained when Tshakuma Tsha Madzivandila’s franchise was sold. Businessman Abram Sello bought the franchise and renamed the club to Marumo Gallants.
The 28-year-old gave a good account of himself at Marumo Gallants before capturing the interests of Orlando Pirates.
He has made 14 appearances for Orlando Pirates in all competitions, with one goal and three assists to his name.
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