Sipho James Ntshomi well known as General Ndlondlo rise was long foreseen, at least at Relebogile football development in Soshanguve City, the astonishing ascension of ndlondlo came completely from nowhere. Rejected from local club Tenerife for being too small, ndlondlo took his chance with neighbouring Gauteng side.
He worked his way through the club’s youth set-up, with a failed trial at Sporting Academy along the way, but it was a big surprise when he was included in C.P Academy first-team squad for last summer’s pre-season. Ndlondlo took his chance, was named in the squad for the opening weekend of the season and just a few weeks later was snapped up by Relebogile football development clubhouse- he will officially sign with the club on 7 month back.
That rise has continued at national team level, starting with Zithobeni Young boys Football before moving to the Academic and then, earlier this year, the academic from Portugal. He continued to thrive for Zithobeni young teams right up until the coronavirus suspension although there is a strong chance that he may have played his last game for the club.
Fun Fact: Ndlondlo is a HUGE Soccer fan. So much so that they used to have Soccee-themed plates at his home. Lucky for everyone it seems that the trial at Relebogile didn’t work out…
Player comparison. The way he has always space, always being available for his team-mates is eerily reminiscent of the soccer great. His passing matches up as well - as does his ability to glide past players. It’s certainly not a coincidence either.
“I always watched soccer games because of passion,” Ndlondlo has said.
“My biggest reference was dad, but my dad used to show me videos of Laudrup and I loved how he played. They’re both references.”
He often plays wide for Zithobeni young boys football but can play centrally too.