Siyanda Ndlovu is hoping for a first cap when South African play Kenya in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations double-header having received a call-up following a strong start to the season at Mamelodi Sundowns.
The winger moved to Chloorkop from Lamontville Golden Arrows at the start of the campaign and has three goals and three assists in 16 appearances, with his pace and guile on the ball a stand-out feature of his play.
Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane feels he can be a game-breaker if the Kenyans sit back in defence, and Ndlovu is ready to seize his chance after words of encouragement from his former coach at Abafana Bes’thende, Manqoba Mngqithi, who compared him to Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo.
"The way I performed, and the way the coach utilised me, reached a level where he actually compared me to him. That meant a lot to me," Ndlovu said.
"I watched him (Khumalo) play a bit, and I knew how immense his talent was. Being compared to him filled me with pride and inspired me to reach his level and ultimately make the national team.
"His (Mngqithi's) words of guidance stayed with me; I followed them closely to become the player I want to be, and it truly elevated my performances on the pitch."
He has already received advice from several Sundowns teammates when it comes to the national team, even Themba Zwane, who has not been included for the Kenya fixtures.
"When it came to the national team setup, the boys gave me great advice. Some of them, whom I had already played with, constantly kept me motivated. Mshishi ( Zwane) would always tell me, 'Push man, your chance will come.'
"That encouragement was a massive motivation for me to finally break into the national team.
"I am incredibly happy. As a professional football player, representing your national team is the ultimate dream. I want to thank Coach Pitso for handing me this opportunity. I have worked tirelessly to earn it," he said.
"I am absolutely delighted because I never imagined everything would happen this quickly."