Mamelodi Sundowns forward Siyanda Ndlovu is expecting a tough battle when the Brazilians face his former side Golden Arrows in the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final, but believes the reigning African champions have what it takes to secure their place in the final.
Ndlovu, who previously represented Arrows, reflected on Sundowns’ recent performance and insisted that the emphatic scoreline did not necessarily mean the match was easy.
“I think it wasn’t an easy game. But we managed to control the game, and the guys scored many goals. I think it was very good,” Ndlovu said.
The former Arrows player believes Sundowns’ work rate and ability to impose themselves on the game made the contest appear more straightforward than it actually was.
I think because of the effort we put in, that’s why it looked like an easy game. But inside on the field, we felt that no, it wasn’t easy. We managed to control it so that we could score many goals through the way we were pushing,” he explained.
With the second leg expected to present a different challenge, Ndlovu acknowledged that facing Golden Arrows will be a big test for Sundowns.
I think that’s a big game. It won’t be easy, but what I can say and promise the fans is that we will fight with everything we have,” he said.
For Ndlovu, one of the key ingredients to securing another positive result will be Sundowns’ ability to find the back of the net.
I think it’s scoring goals. Just like today, if we can score many goals, that’s the main thing that will make us win,” he added.
The attacker also expects Arrows to return with a tactical approach similar to the one they used in the previous meeting, but is confident Sundowns will be prepared to deal with it.
I think they will want to come with the strategy they used in the previous game. But I think in this upcoming game, we will be able to overcome their strategy,” Ndlovu said.
Having previously played for Golden Arrows, the fixture carries an added layer of significance for Ndlovu, but his focus is firmly on helping Sundowns progress.
He also called on the Masandawana faithful to turn up in numbers and promised that the team would give everything to reward their support.
I ask that they come in large numbers. What I promise them is that we will work hard to win that game, and we will make them very happy,” he said.
Ndlovu concluded his message to the Sundowns supporters with a rallying cry: “Ariyeng Masandawana!”
With a place in the MTN8 final at stake, Ndlovu and Sundowns will be looking to ensure that their attacking approach and ability to control the game once again prove decisive against Golden Arrows.