Marumo Gallants midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo is bullish about his side’s chances of retaining their Nedbank Cup crown when they meet Mamelodi Sundowns in the final on Saturday.
The 26-year-old has been one of the standout performers in the DStv Premiership let alone for Thwihli Thwala this season scoring eight goals in 36 matches and showing great ability especially from dead-ball situations. The diminutive midfielder has one year left on his contract and there are reportedly a number of big clubs lurking in the shadows looking to acquire his services.
It was he who scored the only goal of the game in the 1-0 win over Chippa United in the final of the same competition last season, while he has been a key figure in seeing them overcome Santos FC, Orlando Pirates, Baroka FC and TTM en route to the final this time around.
There is no doubt Dan Malesela’s side come into the final as heavy underdogs as they look to deny Sundowns a domestic treble with the Brazilians having already won the MTN8 title and the league.
“Last year we played the final and we won, this year we stand a chance of winning it again. It’s possible for us to win it again, it’s a great motivation for us to do it for the second time in a row,” said Ndlondlo.
“No one is giving us a chance. It’s good to have that, for the opponent it will be giving them pressure because they are the league champions and people expect them to win.
“(Defending the title) It’ll require us to dig deep as a team, fight for one another because we are playing the best team in the country.
“They’ll be looking forward to closing me down. Which is something that will help the team. They’ll be focused on me but there will be other players in the team that can give them problems.”