‘No easy ride’: Dino Ndlovu opens up on Europe’s ups & downs
South African football star Dino Ndlovu is flying the flag high in Europe, but his journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The 33-year-old forward, who currently plays for Turkish club Sakaryaspor, recently opened up about his struggles and triumphs in a candid interview.
Ndlovu’s time at Sakaryaspor has been a rollercoaster ride. The former Bafana Bafana striker started strong in pre-season, scoring an impressive six goals in five friendly matches. However, things took a turn for the worse when the team entered a slump.
“We weren’t performing well, and not only me but the entire team was struggling to score goals,” Ndlovu told FARPost. “The confidence dropped, and to make matters worse, I got injured in training with an ACL tear. I was out for six or seven weeks.”
Adding to the difficulty was the emotional strain of being away from his loved ones. “It was tough waking up every morning without my family around,” the former Platinum Stars striker shared. “But I had to draw inspiration from them, even though they were far away.”
Despite the challenges, Ndlovu has persevered through sheer dedication and discipline. “I left South Africa because I knew I needed to step outside my comfort zone to grow as a player,” he said proudly. “And it’s paid off.”
Ndlovu’s heart still lies in South Africa, and he’s expressed his desire to return one day. However, he emphasises that he won’t settle for anything less than a genuine opportunity.
WHY DINO NDLOVU HAS STRUGGLED TO RETURN HOME
“I had a conversation with my family about coming back before this season, but nothing materialised,” Ndlovu explained. “Clubs often assume players returning from abroad are too expensive, without even talking to us. I’m not coming back just for the sake of it. I want a club that shows real interest and commitment.”
Ndlovu is also building a solid foundation for his life after football. He’s actively investing his earnings, determined to avoid the pitfalls that trap many footballers.
“I wasn’t taught about financial planning growing up,” Ndlovu explained. “But the people around me made me realise its importance. I don’t want to be one of those players who retires broke.”
Ndlovu remains a keen observer of South African football, and he has some insightful thoughts on the challenges facing the local game. He believes a lack of investment is a major hurdle.
“We have great players in South Africa, but we need more investors to come in and support our clubs,” Ndlovu stated. “Too many owners are left to run things on their own, which leads to cost-cutting and ultimately, a decline in quality.”
Ndlovu recognises Mamelodi Sundowns as a shining example of what’s possible with adequate resources. “Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s investment has put Mamelodi Sundowns on another level,” Ndlovu pointed out. “That’s why they attract top players and consistently achieve success.”
Dino Ndlovu’s story is one of resilience and determination. He’s overcome obstacles in Europe and remains passionate about his homeland. As he continues his journey, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers everywhere.
Article by Ntombi Nkosi
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