Ndlondlo Eyes Redemption Against Pirates in Carling Cup All Stars Clash
Phillip Ndlondlo, an attacker for the Carling Cup All Stars, views the upcoming match as an opportunity for personal redemption after Marumo Gallants faced defeat against Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout Cup final last weekend.
Having departed from Pirates at the season's close, Ndlondlo earned his place on the All Stars team through fan selection, getting ready to face his former team at Moses Mabhida Stadium this Saturday.
The 30-year-old midfielder emphasizes that he would have participated in the match regardless, thanks to fan votes, his prior success with Gallants, or his continued presence with Pirates, who recently claimed their first Carling Knockout trophy since 2011.
“Either way, I would have been here, but it would have been amazing to come with the team [Gallants] as champions,” stated Ndlondlo. “This is a second chance for me, being part of the All Stars team, which is another opportunity given to me.”
This marks Ndlondlo's second inclusion for the Carling All Stars, having previously triumphed in the 2023 Carling Cup against Stellenbosch at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, with Stellenbosch having qualified after winning the Carling Knockout Championships in 2023.
“I think it’s a great initiative because when we started in 2023, I was with the guys, and that’s where we saw the likes of Mfundo [Vilakazi of Kaizer Chiefs],” he remarked. “It’s another opportunity for other players to make a name for themselves, to raise their hands at their clubs and show that they also deserve a chance to play.”
In his role as a false number nine, as orchestrated by Gallants' coach Alexandre Lafitte, Ndlondlo has enjoyed success, netting three goals out of four matches during their journey to the Carling Knockout Cup final.
Despite remaining scoreless in the league after 11 matches, Ndlondlo expresses confidence in his adaptability to the position.
“As everyone can see, I’m playing as a false nine, and what I can say is that it’s all about adapting,” Ndlondlo shared. “With the experience I’ve gained from the clubs I’ve played for, it’s not a challenge to adapt to where the coach wants me to play and help the team.”
“I’m also enjoying it because I’m closer to goal. I’m helping the team score and creating chances, which is the most important thing.”
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