Siyabonga Ndlozi's family make shock admission about Orlando Pirates starlet - 'We were in disbelief'

Orlando Pirates starlet Siyabonga Ndlozi's father, Japan, has admitted that he and his family were shocked to see their son play in a Caf Champions League match against Al Ahly.

The 22-year-old right-back and right-winger came on as a substitute in the second half and played 34 minutes during Bucs' victory over the 12-time Champions League winners at the Cairo International Stadium last Sunday.

After witnessing junior Ndlozi make his Pirates debut, Japan revealed that everyone in the family and their community were over the moon.

"We couldn’t contain ourselves because of the excitement we had. All the people that were in the house screamed in jubilation when we saw him being brought on," Ndlozi senior told Hollywoodbets Sports Blog.

"There was a lot of excitement and disbelief because he hadn’t really made the matchday squad in the Premier Soccer League games, but we were surprised he was included for that tough game.

"It was unbelievable, even in the community, people were happy and celebrating his achievement. The community congratulated him and the family." 

Ndlozi's chances of receiving more playing time in Jose Riveiro's star-studded team are now higher with Thabiso Lebitso and Thabiso Monyane currently sidelined due to injuries.

The former Golden Arrows DDC team's star impressed while playing for the Buccaneers’ reserve side before he was loaned to First National Division club Orbit College last season.

Upon returning to the one-time Caf Champions League winners, Ndlozi was thereafter elevated to the club's senior team as Riveiro seems to trust in his abilities.

Ndlozi's prospects appear promising at Pirates, with Riveiro, who enjoys providing opportunities to DDC players, asserting that the youngster is ready to play for his team.

The Dassenhoek-born player will be hoping to start over Deano Van Rooyen in Bucs' Nedbank Cup Round of 32 encounter against Richards Bay at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.