Orlando Pirates DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] coach Joseph Makhanya has revealed the specific areas where defender Siyabonga Ndlozi must improve to progress in his career in the SA elite league.
The talented right-back demonstrated his abilities when he made his debut for the Soweto giants during the club’s CAF Champions League match against Al Ahly in January 2025.
He replaced Thabiso Lebitso, who was having fitness issues after recovering from a long-term injury.
The game between the Egyptian powerhouse and the Buccaneers ended in a 2-1 scoreline in favour of Pirates, thanks to goals by Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshegofatso Mabasa. El Shahat scored the only goal for Al Ahly.
The 22-year-old began his football journey in KZN, where his career blossomed while playing for Golden Arrows’ reserve team before moving to the Sea Robbers’ DDC team in August 2022.
In the 2023/24 season, Ndlozi spent a season-long loan at Motsepe Foundation Championship side Orbit College. The SA second-tier outfit gave him his first taste of professional football. Now, he is part of the Pirates first team.
Overall, Ndlozi has made seven appearances across all competitions for the Jose Riveiro-coached team in the current campaign.
SIYABONGA NDLOZI TOLD TO IMPROVE DECISION-MAKING AND AWARENESS
Coach Makhanya mentioned that Ndlozi should improve his decision-making and enhance his game awareness.
“Ndlozi, what a solid player. We worked with him two seasons ago. He needs to work a little bit on his decision-making and maybe play with more ball control and read the game even better,” said Makhanya, responding to FARPost at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane during the DDC festive last weekend.
“In the senior team, it’s more about the mindset because you find players that are smarter than you. So now, it means that for you to outsmart them, you need to be in the game consistently and read the game much better.
“So, I want him to be more stable, especially in his position. Also, don’t rush into things – solidify his main position and make sure nothing goes past him. He also needs to make sure he delivers proper crosses as a right-back.”
‘Duku-Duku’ continued: “He is key that has got so much energy as he trains well. Another thing is that he has hunger, and you can’t take that away from him.”
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