Watch VideoKhulumani Ndamane growing in confidence at Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of Orlando Pirates showdown

Khulumani Ndamane is making his mark at Mamelodi Sundowns. The towering defender opens up about his partnership with Grant Kekana and why he’s taking nothing for granted ahead of Wednesday’s massive clash against Orlando Pirates. Photo: Backpagepix Towering at around 1.83m, Khulumani Ndamane has a better aerial view than most of his Mamelodi Sundowns’ teammates and their opposition on the pitch.

This is a characteristic that has stood him in good stead as he’s able to read the game well from a distance–and compose himself when he has to make well-timed tackles and help his team with their defensive organisation. Ndamane has impressed in that regard, so much so that he finds himself playing for one of the biggest clubs in the country in Sundowns, following a professional breakthrough at TS Galaxy after leaving Kaizer Chiefs’ reserve team a few seasons ago. Ndamane joined Sundownslast month, and has faced stiff competition from the sidelined Mthobi Mvala, the recently recovered Malibongwe Khoza, Keagan Johannes, and Keanu Cupido — just to name a few of his direct competitors.

But he hasn’t just made up the numbers. He’s fully part and parcel of the team’s plans to challenge for a treble: the CAF Champions League, Betway Premiership, and Nedbank Cup. He recently revealed how he instantly became an integral part of the team. “When I left TS Galaxy, I didn’t tell myself that I would come here and relax,” Ndamane said.