Khulumani Ndamane

Khulumani Ndamane (born 5 February 2004) is a South African soccer player who plays as a central defender for South African Premiership side Mamelodi Sundowns and the South Africa national team. Quotes I watched the 2018 World Cup, but I’ve seen (Siphiwe) Tshabalala’s videos over and over, he says with a grin. Every player dreams of that - to one day play there. That’s what pushes me. I watched the 2018 World Cup, but I’ve seen (Siphiwe) Tshabalala’s videos over and over, Every player dreams of that - to one day play there. That’s what pushes me In the villages, there are people who play better than me, But they didn’t make it. I just kept working hard and believing He used to take me to trials in Richards Bay because he had a car, He helped me a lot. Without him, I might not have made it this far. It was not painful not making it to the senior team, There are a lot of players in this game. If it doesn’t happen, you must grow up and accept that football doesn’t always take you where you want to go. I saw that maybe things were not going to happen at Chiefs. So when the chance came, ‘I’m coming’. And when I arrived, things went my way. At teams such asChiefs, expectations are huge, As a youngster, you’ll make mistakes. But at Galaxy, they allow you to make mistakes and grow. It helps you mentally and as a player. So yes, it’s a blessing that I am here. I was very happy with my progress, I have not played a lot of seasons, but where I am shows I am working hard They told me not to be afraid, They reminded me that I was not there by mistake, and to just play my game. That gave me confidence. Things happened too fast, I was just happy to be playing in the PSL, so the national team wasn’t even on my mind. Then suddenly, God made things happen so fast. I missed out, but I learnt from that mistake. Now I have my passport! I told myself that if coach Broos saw me once and liked what he saw, I must just keep working. If I continue performing, another opportunity will come - and it did. It is painful, I would have loved for him to see me play, to make him happy while he was alive. But I believe he is my great ancestor now. I supported Chiefs because my dad supported Chiefs, I live with my grandmother (when I am home) now, My siblings are older, but she’s the one who’s been there for me. Things were hard growing up - they still are - but God has given me the opportunity to work, and I try to help at home It’s nice to have people celebrate me for doing something good, especially in the village. I’ve managed to take their name and put it up there It’s nice to have people celebrate me for doing something good, especially in the village. I’ve managed to take their name and put it up there. I went to school and finished Grade 11, It’s just that my love for soccer took over. I never had dreams of being a lawyer or a doctor. But now that I’ve achieved my goal of becoming a professional, I think I might go back and complete my matric. People will always talk, but I don’t know if I’m joining any club. Mine is just to play. God will make things happen in his time It made me very happy, As a young player, to be part of such a historic event - it will always be said that in 2025 these people were there. It shows my progress. Be committed to your work, echoing advice that has become his mantra. Listen to your coach, do what he says, and always give your best. That’s what has placed me where I am. Football is unpredictable, Where you wish to go is not always where you’ll end up. But every door that closes can open a better one. You just have to keep believing. The final team is in the coach’s hands, Mine is to keep pushing, the way I’ve been pushing. From the Hills of Sahlumbe to the bright lights of Bafana Bafana: The Khulumani Ndamane story, December 2025,IOL by Matshelane Mamabola I am very happy to be playing in the Champions League; it’s something that I have always wanted to do since I was young, So, I am now even more encouraged to keep pushing forward. CAF is difficult. It’s not like the league. The players are more physical, and that’s been helping me become stronger. The absence of Grant is really a blow for us, Everyone has seen that he brings experience to the team. But since other players are available, we will try to fill the gap and see how we perform. I might get a chance to step in, but that doesn’t mean I’m happy about the red card. I will come in if the coach decides and try to help the team. I think what’s helping me the most is listening to the advice of the senior players who have been part of the team, as well as the coach, Espérance are a team with a lot of experience in CAF competitions, Personally, since it’s my first season in the tournament, I am gaining experience that will help me and the team going forward Khulumani Ndamane embracing Champions League challenge at Mamelodi Sundowns, April 2026, IOL by Mihlali Baleka When I left TS Galaxy, I didn’t tell myself that I would come here and relax, I knew that there were players who were already ahead of me and full of quality. So, for me, it was only to continue working hard and let the rest take care of itself Grant is a very relaxed guy, So, playing with him has also relaxed me. We help each other a lot. When he has gone to mark, I need to keep the balance. So, I think the communication between us has been helpful a lot. I have been focusing on the gameplan that I have been getting from the coach and working hand in hand with my teammates, So, I think that’s really helping us a lot to get the results that we desired. Khulumani Ndamane growing in confidence at Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of Orlando Pirates showdown,March 2026, IOL by Mihlali Baleka External Links Category:Soccer players from South Africa Category:Living people Category:2004 births