Orlando Pirates’ pursuit of Golden Arrows winger Siyanda Ndlovu has suffered a setback after the player declined to sign the contract presented to him, opening the door for Mamelodi Sundowns to revive their interest.
FARPost has established that while Pirates had successfully agreed a transfer fee with Golden Arrows and the 23-year-old completed his medical examinations, the deal has unexpectedly stalled over concerns the player raised regarding the contract offered by the Soweto giants.
As a result, Ndlovu has not put pen to paper despite appearing destined to become the latest addition to Pirates’ squad. The winger travelled from Durban to Johannesburg after Pirates reached an agreement with Golden Arrows, but the transfer has since been delayed after he raised concerns about the contract on offer.
The latest twist has alerted Mamelodi Sundowns, who had maintained an interest in the attacker and were closely monitoring developments despite Pirates appearing to have won the race for his signature. The former Betway Premiership champions now have an opportunity to re-enter the race should Pirates fail to resolve the player’s contractual issues.
The development comes after Pirates looked set to continue their impressive recruitment drive. The club has already secured the services of Neo Rapoo, Bohlale Ngwato and Gamphani Lungu from Siwelele FC, while former Richards Bay defender Sbangani Zulu and ex-Stellenbosch FC midfielder Mthetheleli Mthiyane have also joined the Buccaneers.
WHY SIYANDA NDLOVU REMAINS A SOUGHT-AFTER TALENT
Ndlovu enjoyed a breakthrough campaign under head coach Manqoba Mngqithi at Arrows, establishing himself as one of the Betway Premiership’s most exciting young attacking players.
His performances earned him the Betway Premiership Player of the Month award for September/October, making him the first Golden Arrows player to win the accolade. He also collected the Goal of the Month award for his stunning solo strike against Stellenbosch FC before being crowned KZN Sports Personality of the Year.
According to Opta Jabu statistics, Ndlovu created 59 chances during the 2025/26 campaign, placing him among the division’s most creative players. Only Orlando Pirates duo Relebohile Mofokeng [91] and Oswin Appollis produced more, while he finished ahead of experienced Buccaneers winger Deon Hotto.
Across all competitions, the versatile attacker made 31 appearances, scoring four goals and providing eight assists despite missing part of the campaign through injury.
Former Pirates winger Lebohang Mokoena had previously tipped Ndlovu as an ideal fit for the Buccaneers’ attacking philosophy.
“We love our wingers at Pirates. For me, Siyanda is just a typical Orlando Pirates winger,” Mokoena said on the Soccer Beat podcast. “I think Siyanda would fit in very well because of the type of football Pirates play. He has the speed going forward…”
Ndlovu joined the Arrows first team in August 2023 after impressing in the DStv Diski Challenge and has since developed into one of the league’s most coveted wide attackers after previously featuring for Happy Crown FC and Newcastle All Stars.
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