AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu says they tried all they could to sign Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo from Marumo Gallants but the Limpopo side did not want to entertain their offer.
Zungu said “we tabled a good offer” for Ndlondlo but Gallants chairman Abram Sello had other ideas.
This publication understands Usuthu were interested in Ndlondlo even in January this year, along with Katlego Otladisa when coach Benni McCarthy was in charge. Usuthu were looking for the replacement of Siyethemba Sithebe, who left the club at the end of last season to join Kaizer Chiefs.
The Durbam-based side did not stop as they continued to express an interest in Ndlondlo during the off season, but again Gallants and Usuthu did not find common ground to agree on the fee before Ndlondlo joined Orlando Pirates on the last day of the transfer window instead.
“In Ndlondlo, we were interested in him, but the chairman of Marumo was not interested in transacting the player to us,” Zungu told iDiski Times.
“So that is all I can say. We tabled an offer and it was all over the place. But we tabled a very good offer for Ndlondlo. And for all we know the boy wanted to come and play for AmaZulu.
“But again, there are no hard feelings at all against Marumo because they were entitled to do so.”
Ndlondlo made his Pirates debut against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, giving Andile Jali a hard time, before the latter was taken off early in the second half.
The 27-year-old, who scored a winner when Gallants won the Nedbank Cup in 2020/21 against Chippa United, showed fancy footwork for Pirates. He looked like a player who has been at the Soweto giants for some time.
It was not surprising when he went on to scoop the Man of the Match award at the end.
“We are happy for him, he’s a great player for Pirates,” added Zungu who wants his side to reach the MTN8 final and face Pirates after drawing 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs in the first leg of their semi final on Sunday.
Story by Robin-Duke Madlala (@duke_robin).
Truter Criticises Gomes After Heated Chiefs Clash
