Ndlondlo aims to keep up remarkable Nedbank Cup run
PIC: Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo
Orlando Pirates midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo may consider himself a lucky charm in the Nedbank Cup, as he prepares to feature for a side that has reached the final of the competition for an unprecedented fifth season in a row.
Ndlondlo netted the winner for Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila as they defeated Chippa United in the 2021 final, and the club he has played for has reached the final every year since.
It is a remarkable run, but it has not all been good news for the 29-year-old, who has suffered some final heartbreak.
Here is a breakdown of those past five years.
2021 – TSHAKHUMA TSHA MADZIVHANDILA 1-0 CHIPPA UNITED
Ndlondlo scored the winner as his side lifted the trophy, netting in the 27th minute with a deflected long-range shot. He played the full 90 minutes and was a key part of TTM’s success, having also starred in the semifinal win over Mamelodi Sundowns. He featured in three of TTM’s games in the campaign in all.
2022 – MAMELODI SUNDOWNS 2-1 MARUMO GALLANTS
From the joy of victory to the heartbreak of defeat, TTM had morphed into Marumo Gallants by the 2022 final and Ndlondlo helped them get to the decider again by playing all five matches in their campaign. He assisted his side’s goal for Sede Dion to equalise against Sundowns, but was sent off in extra-time as The Brazilians grabbed a late winner.
2023 – ORLANDO PIRATES 2-1 SEKHUKHUNE UNITED
Ndlondlo joined Pirates at the start of the next season and again featured in all five games as they reached the final against Sekhukhune United at Loftus Stadium. Ndlondlo came off the bench with 12 minutes remaining as Pirates grabbed an injury-time winner via Terrence Dzvukamanja.
2024 – ORLANDO PIRATES 2-1 MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Ndlondlo was in the match-day squad for all four rounds prior to the final this year, but was left put for the decider as Pirates retained their trophy with a 2-1 win over Sundowns.
2025 – ORLANDO PIRATES VS KAIZER CHIEFS
Ndlondlo has been in the match day squad for all four of Pirates’ ties this year and featured in three of them. He is unlikely to start on Saturday, but could well come off the bench and bring some of that winning magic. He can certainly say he has experience of cup finals.