Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu dedicated his Man of the Match award to the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) after producing a dominant display against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Soweto giants held the Brazilians to a 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the Betway Premiership, with Ndlovu playing a key role in the result.
The hard-tackling midfielder marshalled the Kaizer Chiefs midfield and played a crucial part in their opening goal. Ndlovu held off the Sundowns pressure before setting up Langelihle Phili, who fired Chiefs into the lead in the 63rd minute.
His impressive performance was recognised after the final whistle when he was named Man of the Match.
Speaking after the game, Ndlovu dedicated the individual award to the ZCC, a church he is affiliated with.
“This means a lot to me. I want to dedicate this to the ZCC, where I come from. Jehovah is powerful,” Ndlovu said.
Kaizer Chiefs hold off Sundowns
The Chiefs midfielder also explained how a tactical adjustment helped Amakhosi find a way through against a Sundowns side that dominated possession for large periods of the match.
“It is never an easy match. Sundowns move the ball and make you shift from side to side. You have to be patient and wait for your moment. You are going to get it eventually,” Ndlovu told SABC Sport.
“I did what we needed to do, especially in the midfield.”
Kaizer Chiefs bossed the midfield
Ndlovu added that Amakhosi had to remain adaptable as Sundowns changed their approach throughout the match.
“It’s all tactical. If they change, we need to change. Obviously, we have good analysis. They see that and inform us on time, and we have to adapt quickly,” he explained.
The draw means Kaizer Chiefs remain top of the Betway Premiership standings with seven points from their opening three matches.
With Ndlovu emerging as one of the standout performers against Sundowns, his contribution could prove important as Chiefs look to maintain their strong start to the campaign.