Lucky boy! How Kaizer Chiefs reported new signing Siphesihle Ndlovu beat odds against drugs and crime and became an outstanding PSL star - 'He doesn’t come from a holy community'

Reported new Kaizer Chiefs signing Siphesihle Ndlovu beat crime and drug odds at a younger age to become a Premier Soccer League star eventually.

Mpho Mhlanzi of Mgungundlovu Academy of Sport, where Ndlovu spent four years, has revealed how the midfielder faced challenges but, because of his determination, became who he is now.

As Chiefs strengthen their squad for the new season, Ndlovu has been reported as one of the players set to be signed by the Soweto giants.

“He doesn’t come from a holy community – there were drugs, alcohol, and crime around him, but he survived. I was very worried about him. Although he was showing maturity, I was praying that this boy would not involve himself in alcohol and drugs," Mhlanzi told FARPost. 

“Some of the boys I coached, you could see from their teeth and the way their mouths smelled that they were doing drugs. I know two who had so much potential and were signed by AmaZulu FC, but drugs messed them up. AmaZulu kicked them out. They are finished; they are nowhere to be seen,” Mhlanzi added.

Mhlanzi also revealed how they scouted Ndlovu, his passion, and how brilliant and promising the midfielder was.

“We found Siphesihle in Imbali while scouting for the academy in 2006. The boys called him Mbesuma. You could see flames of fire in his eyes; he was so passionate," he explained.

"I’m not lying – he was the first player to master any drill at training. We used him as an example because he grasped things so quickly. He was a brilliant player and a brilliant listener."

Before they embark on their trip to the Netherlands for a high-intensity pre-season engagement, Chiefs have revealed a number of their new signings.

Amakhosi have acquired left-back Nkanyiso Shinga, midfielder Ethan Chislett, and forward Flavio Silva.

After a long period of speculation, the Glamour Boys eventually revealed that former Orlando Pirates defenders Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako will also be part of their playing unit.

What remains now is an official communication on whether indeed Chiefs have signed the former SuperSport United midfielder.

New signings at Naturena are set for deep scrutiny by the club's supporters and pundits, as they will be gauged on whether they meet the standards of being an Amakhosi player.

With the new signings, Chiefs are expected to beat the challenges seen last season, especially in the PSL, where they finished ninth and missed a chance to play in the season curtain raiser, the MTN8 tournament.