TS Galaxy and Bafana Bafana defender Khulumani Ndamane handled questions about his impressive career trajectory from his roots at Kaizer Chiefs to his current status as a national team prospect with composure. However, his posture shifted quickly when the topic of Mamelodi Sundowns was mentioned.
Sundowns are reportedly keen on the promising player, with persistent rumours suggesting the Brazilians have already signed him and loaned him back to Galaxy. It’s a topic neither the player nor Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi seems willing to address publicly.
Speaking at the TS Galaxy media open day on Thursday ahead of the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final clash against Golden Arrows, Ndamane answered every question with poise and confidence until the Sundowns topic was raised.
Galaxy are set to take on Arrows on Sunday afternoon at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
KHULUMANI NDAMANE’S EVASIVE RESPONSE
The 21-year-old defender’s demeanour shifted when asked about the reigning Betway Premiership champions.
While discussing his transition from Chiefs to TS Galaxy, he exuded poise and confidence. But the moment the Sundowns question was raised, his composure instantly shattered.
He tilted his chin and slowly turned his head, a clear attempt to dodge the query, before offering a momentary smile and artfully sidestepping the question.
“Let’s focus here, let’s put the Sundowns matter aside because it’ll cause problems for us. I play for TS Galaxy,” he responded with a clear note of discomfort. When pressed on his future ambitions, he offered a broader hint, saying: “I wish to play for a big team or go overseas one day, and I believe my time will come.”
The left-footed defender has quickly emerged as one of the country’s brightest defensive prospects since joining Galaxy in 2024. He progressed through the Chiefs reserve team in the DStv Diski Challenge, but the lack of a senior squad promotion ultimately led to his frustration.
Galaxy quickly signed him on a free transfer, as a replacement for then-captain Given Msimango, who left to join the Soweto giants.
“I believe that as a player, I wanted to develop in football, so while playing for the DDC side there, I realised I could achieve more. Just because I didn’t play for the first team didn’t mean I wasn’t talented, so I decided to come and try my luck here at TS Galaxy,” explained Ndamane.
Ndamane has established himself as a key player in the Rockets’ defence and has earned three senior caps for Bafana Bafana under coach Hugo Broos.
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