Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo credits mindset shift for revived form at Marumo Gallants

Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo has revealed that a change in mentality has been the springboard that revived his career at Marumo Gallants after leaving Orlando Pirates last season.

Ndlondlo has been the cornerstone of Gallants this season. He inspired the team to the Carling Knockout final — which they lost to Pirates — and they are currently 12th on the Betway Premiership standings with 15 points.

The diminutive midfielder has shown his creativity by contributing goals and assists as he works to get back to his best following his departure from Pirates, where he endured a challenging end to his tenure at the club.

Speaking ahead of the Carling Cup clash — in which he has been voted into the All Stars team that will face Carling Knockout champions Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off) — Ndlondlo also credited a positional change as the foundation of his resurgence.

“As everyone has seen, I am playing as a false No. 9 for now. What I can say is that it’s all about adapting, having gathered the experience I got from the previous clubs that I played for,” Ndlondlo said.

“I don’t think it’s a challenge for me to adapt to where the coach wants me to play and help the team. I am also enjoying it because I am closer to goal, helping the team score and create chances. That’s the important thing that matters.”

While Ndlondlo is certainly enjoying the fruits of his comeback at Gallants, he revealed what helped him get back to where he is now.

“I think it’s the mindset,” Ndlondlo said. “Once you reach a certain point where things are not going well for you, you make peace with the fact that some things have their time of coming to an end.

“So, mentally, I had to prepare myself to face the future that was upon me. I am grateful for the opportunity that I was given at Marumo Gallants, especially after knowing that what happened at Pirates happened. Things came to an end.”

Ndlondlo is in his second spell at Gallants, having initially helped the team win the Nedbank Cup a few seasons ago after scoring the lone goal in the final against Chippa United in Bloemfontein.

“They offered me the opportunity to come back and play again,” Ndlondlo said. “I think the right frame of mind at that time was important, and the build-up towards that. Before that, I was also in the national team.

“So, I think going back to Gallants helped me a lot. As you can see now, the performances speak for themselves. I am enjoying myself again, and I am able to help grind out results for my team.”

Ndlondlo’s upward trajectory wouldn’t have been possible without coach Alexander Lafitte. The 29-year-old has defied his age and looked the part in the PSL top flight, and that’s why Ndlondlo has backed him to continue thriving for the rest of the season.

“You can say that he’s young, but with the experience and tactics that he’s using, you can’t say that he’s young,” Ndlondlo said. “His impact on the team speaks for itself because you can see how the team has changed and evolved from where it was before.

“I think he’s helping the team get better for the future. That’s why the second half of the season is going to be interesting.”