Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Katlego “Tsiki” Ntsabeleng has admitted that patience has been the biggest lesson since returning to South African football.
The 26-year-old recently joined Sundowns on loan from Major League Soccer side FC Dallas, bringing an unusual journey back home after spending seven years building his career in the United States.
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For Ntsabeleng, the move is more than just another transfer. It is a return to familiar ground after leaving South Africa without ever making a senior Premier Soccer League appearance.
Before heading overseas, the midfielder passed through several development systems locally, including Stars of Africa, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and the University of Johannesburg.
But it was in the United States where his career truly took shape. Ntsabeleng represented the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers before turning out for Oregon State, performances that eventually opened the door to Major League Soccer with FC Dallas.
Now back in the Betway Premiership, the midfielder says reconnecting with family and adjusting to life in South Africa again has helped him settle.
“Since I came back life has really been great, I can’t really complain about much,” Ntsabeleng said.
“I’ve been spending much-needed time with my family, something that I missed throughout the years. It’s also helped me stay patient in the team and get to know the guys.”
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Mamelodi Sundowns boast one of the deepest squads in the Betway Premiership, and Ntsabeleng admits breaking into the team will require both patience and persistence.
The midfielder says every player in the dressing room understands that opportunities must be earned. “Mamelodi Sundowns is a big team with a lot of quality players and a big squad,” he explained.
“So everyone kind of has to wait for the opportunity and when it comes, grab it with both hands. The biggest part has been working hard while staying patient,” the Tembisa-born star concluded.
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