TS Galaxy’s Khulumani Ndamane has opened up about the pride and
confidence gained from his starring role in Bafana Bafana’s historic 3-0 win
over Rwanda, a victory that sealed South Africa’s first FIFA World Cup
qualification in 23 years.
The 21-year-old defender, handed a full debut in the crucial qualifier,
delivered a remarkably composed performance alongside Orlando Pirates’
Nkosinathi Sibisi, helping to secure a clean sheet at a packed Mbombela
Stadium.
Reflecting on the high-pressure occasion during a Carling Knockout Cup media
day, Ndamane credited the team’s senior players for settling his nerves. “It
was a very big game, and I was a little bit nervous,” Ndamane admitted. “But
senior players like Sibisi and (Ronwen) Williams encouraged me to play my
normal game. They told me that me being in the national team wasn’t by
mistake. Their words motivated me to perform the way I did.”
His assured display has firmly placed him on coach Hugo Broos’ radar as a
reliable defensive option ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. When asked
about his chances for the final squad, the rising star remained grounded,
stating, “That depends on the coach. Mine is to keep pushing the way I have
been doing for TS Galaxy.”
For now, Ndamane’s focus has shifted from national glory to club success. He
is determined to carry his newfound confidence into TS Galaxy’s Carling
Knockout Cup quarter-final against Golden Arrows this Sunday, as the Rockets
aim to secure a spot in the competition’s semi-finals.
