Kaizer Chiefs product Ndamane open to joining Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns after breaking silence on Bafana Bafana-Passport debacle and explains why he left Amakhosi for TS Galaxy - 'I was disappointed and I'd like to apologise to everyone'

Khulumane Ndamane has enjoyed an impressive start to his professional career since joining TS Galaxy from Kaizer Chiefs in July 2024. The young defender has already made 22 appearances across all competitions, playing a crucial role in the Rockets' rise to fourth place after 23 matches.

His stellar performances earned him a call-up to Bafana Bafana for the Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin. Unfortunately, he was forced to withdraw from the squad due to not having a valid passport, losing his spot to Grant Kekana.

Club chairman Tim Sukazi intervened to resolve the documentation issue, but head coach Hugo Broos had already finalized his 23-man squad and this left Ndamane out of the national team setup, despite his strong performances at club level.

The KwaZulu-Natal-born defender has now broken his silence, apologizing for the situation and expressing his determination to return to the national team. He remains hopeful of earning another call-up when Bafana Bafana reconvenes for their next international fixtures.

"I was disappointed, and I'd like to apologise to everyone who believes in me," the free-spirited Ndamane said as reported by the Sowetan.

"Honestly, it did hurt me to miss out on the opportunity to be in the national team because of a passport but sometimes you have to accept setbacks in life, and I believe maybe it was not my time yet. I've managed to get one, so now mine is to continue working, hoping that I'll get that chance again.''

"It's everyone's dream to play for the national team but to be honest, I never saw the call-up coming so early, especially not in my first season, hence it never hit me to go and get my passport when I saw my name in the preliminary squad,'' the Rockets defender stated.

"Galaxy scouted me in the DDC playing for Chiefs, so they called me to give me a first-team contract and I told Chiefs...they [Chiefs] just let me go without any fights because they understood I was going to play first-team football here. Chiefs treated me so well and I am grateful,'' Ndamane, who grew up a Chiefs fan, said.

"My goal is to play for one of the big teams in the country, even if it's not Chiefs. However, I'm happy here at Galaxy, so I won't rush things."

Ndamane has formed a formidable defensive partnership with Samukelo Kabini, who recently secured a record transfer move to Norwegian club FK Molde, where he has already made his debut. Kabini’s transfer has raised hopes that the defender could also earn a European move in the future.

His departure has left a significant void at TS Galaxy, but it serves as motivation for the 21-year-old to push himself further. Meanwhile, his former club, Kaizer Chiefs, continues to struggle with inconsistency, causing frustration for head coach Nasreddine Nabi.

Despite the challenges, Chiefs' management remains confident in the Tunisian tactician’s ability to turn things around. Nabi has emphasized that reviving a club of Chiefs' stature takes time and patience.

TS Galaxy will face Marumo Gallants in their upcoming fixture, aiming to secure all three points and solidify their fourth-place standing. The Rockets have been one of the league’s most consistent sides this season, and a victory would keep them in the race for continental football. With Ndamane eager to prove himself, this match presents another opportunity for him to shine.