“I felt like everything was happening too fast for me and it scared me,” he said.
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Khulumani Ndamane has reflected on his rapid rise to the top after breaking into the Bafana Bafana team.
The 22-year-old centre-back completed a move to the Tshwane giants in January, following an impressive 2024/25 season with TS Galaxy, where he established himself as one of the league’s most reliable defenders.
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Sundowns wasted no time in securing his services, with Ndamane having first come to prominence during his time in the Kaizer Chiefs development system.
Speaking on the club’s Pitchside Podcast, Ndamane admitted the move came as a shock.
“When the deal (to Sundowns) was happening, I didn’t believe it because I felt like everything was happening too fast for me and it scared me,” he said.
“It means a lot to me as a player because it shows that what I’m doing is visible and what I need to do is just to continue pushing and other things will just fall into place at the right time.”
Despite joining a squad brimming with quality, Ndamane has settled in well at Chloorkop. The defender, who hails from the rural area of Sahlumbe in KwaZulu-Natal, has embraced the challenge of competing for places in the team.
“When I agreed to join the team, I knew that there were quality players. I just need to keep working hard and make use of any given opportunities,” Ndamane added.
“There are a lot of us and I just need to use my opportunities in the right way. It’s very motivating for me as a young player. I must just look up to them (senior players) to see what they are doing to be at the level they are now and I think that will help me a lot.
“I must just listen to the coach and do what he says. Whatever the coach tells me, it is what I will try and do on the pitch. I think focusing on his plans is the thing that will keep me focused.”
Looking ahead, the young defender has his sights set on winning silverware with Sundowns, while also harbouring ambitions of playing abroad in the future.
“I think collecting cups is the thing that will make me happy. I also wish to see my career progressing and if it happens, I would like to go overseas,” he concluded.
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“I don’t need to change much, but obviously there are a few things that I will need to change because I’m now playing for a big team. I must continue doing what I have been doing and remain grounded and respect people.”
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