Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu will miss Amakhosi’s upcoming Betway Premiership clash against Sekhukhune United due to suspension.
The hard-tackling midfielder picked up his fourth yellow card of the season during Chiefs’ 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Ndlovu was booked following a challenge on Sundowns defender Keanu Cupido, who later suffered a fractured collarbone as a result of the incident.
The Chiefs midfielder has recently come under scrutiny for his aggressive style of play, having also been involved in several heated moments during last month’s Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates.
Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brian Baloyi has defended Ndlovu, insisting the midfielder simply plays with intensity and commitment.
“In the last two games, Ndlovu reminded me of Katsande. He was lucky to still be on the field,” said Baloyi on Soccerbeat.
“When I look at the tackle where he got the yellow card, a lot of times people think he is playing dirty, but that one was unfortunate. He was going for the ball and unfortunately stretched his leg and injured the player.
“Besides that, he is beginning to enjoy the best time of his life at Chiefs if you look at his performances.”
Baloyi added that Chiefs have lacked a combative midfielder for several seasons and believes Ndlovu is reviving qualities previously associated with club legends such as Tinashe Nengomasha and Willard Katsande.
Despite the suspension, Ndlovu is expected to return for Amakhosi’s final two league matches of the season.
Ndlovu has been agressive in Chiefs’ past two games
Chiefs will play their final three league matches without Mduduzi Shabalala who was injured during the Sundowns game on Wednesday.