‘He’s popular in prison’ – Remembering ex-Sundowns striker

It’s time to check out Mamelodi Sundowns hall of fame. Today’s player did not earn legendary status for what he did on the grass, but there are many ways to be remembered.

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MAMELODI SUNDOWNS SIGNING OF THE DAY: LUNGISANI NDLELA

It’s true that Ndlela struggled to enjoy success as a Sundowns striker, but his smile and image was enough to endear him to the Kabo Yellow supporters.

Born in the small town of Frankfort, Free State in 1980, the 2-meter tall Ndlela started his top level career at Maritzburg City in 2000.

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Ndlela continued to develop at the University of Pretoria, SuperSport United and Moroka Swallows before the dream move to Sundowns in 2006 for three years.

Kabo Yellow fans loved Ndlela for his massive height, infectious smile and goal dance celebration (five in 23 games).

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CAREER AFTER KABO YELLOW

Ndlela later moved on to finish his career at Swallows in 2012. Dry financial times during his post-career inspired Ndlela to train as a correctional services officer before he became a prison warder in Witbank, Mpumalanga.

“I’m still working at Correctional Services eMalahleni. I’ve been there since 2012 after the contract ended at Swallows. There were issues with the contract so I had to make a plan and I started working,” Ndlela said via Radio 2000 last year.

“Lungi has done well for himself. At least he’s got an income, unlike other former soccer stars who prefer to live on handouts,” an associate said via TimesLIVE.

“Lungi is popular in prison as people still recognise him. He’s jolly but takes his job seriously,” a friend of the former Sundowns star also added.

You can find more articles from Siseko Gwegwe here.