The Sundowns attacking midfielder played 76 minutes and provided a key assist for Iqraam Rayners’ goal in the 37th minute. His creative display was highly rated, earning him a 7.9 out of 10 match rating.
In terms of his overall career at Sundowns, Ntsabeleng, fondly known as ‘Tsiki’ in Tembisa, has mostly featured as a rotation player in domestic competitions.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS MIDFIELD MOMENT OF RECOGNITION FOR KATLEGO NTSABELENG
Coach Miguel Cardoso has afforded him 229 minutes of game time. While he is yet to score, his contributions include one assist and high passing accuracy.
Before joining Sundowns, he had also made 92 professional appearances in the MLS with FC Dallas, recording two goals and seven assists.
According to club legend Vilakazi, Ntsabeleng deserves credit for riding out a storm of criticism.
“You have to give it to the guys, as much as you get stick, sometimes it is stick that says you can get better, sometimes it is stick that is discouraging,” Vilakazi said on the Pitchside podcast.
“I have to give it to the guys also for just blocking the noise to continue with the work under that tremendous pressure. Under that pressure that says you are not for us, you are not the player that will help us.
“But they stay within those testing times. Within those testing times, you have to have the courage.”
TASHREEQ MATTHEWS SPECIAL MENTION
Vilakazi also took the moment to recognise Tashreeq Matthews after the 25-year-old scored to break a long drought.
“Similar to Tashreeq [Matthews]. Being able to block the noise. I am very much happy for him for finding that goal [vs Chippa United].
“It helps to move that mental block. He has been working on it. For so many times he has been staying [after training], trying to work on it. Sometimes when you have stayed behind, you think it might happen in the next game, but sometimes it just doesn’t. Sometimes that chance just hits the defender and goes away.
“He has been doing it. I tell him to continue doing it. The likes of Tsiki [Ntsabeleng] also, this [Man of the Match performance] will give him so much confidence. And he has been trying.
“Sooner or later, it will happen, just continue with the process behind the scenes, working on yourself,” Vilakazi concluded.
Also read: Chiefs win to move closer to Sundowns and Pirates at the top
Coming up next for Kabo Yellow is Durban City in the Betway Premiership away at the Chatsworth Stadium this Tuesday at 19:30.
Also read: Orlando Pirates’ expected starting 11 vs Golden Arrows
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