Trio played their part as Brazilians ended cup drought beating Pirates in MTN8 final

When they joined Mamelodi Sundowns recently, defender Thabang Matuludi and midfielders Siyanda Ndlovu and Thabo Cele probably did not expect to win two trophies so soon.

The trio joined the Brazilians at different stages in the last three months and have already lifted the Fifa African-Asian-Pacific Cup and now the MTN8 trophy.

Matuludi and Ndlovu arrived at Chloorkop having not laid their hands on a major trophy before but Cele was part of the Kaizer Chiefs side that beat Orlando Pirates to win the Nedbank Cup at the end of the 2024-25 season.

They played their part when Sundowns produced a businesslike performance at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday to beat Pirates 2-1 and claim their first cup trophy since 2022.

It was also the Brazilians’ first MTN8 success since 2021 when they beat Cape Town City, when goalkeeper Denis Onyango was the hero by saving five penalties during the shoot-out.

Cele said he is motivated to continue working hard for more silverware at Downs, the latter-day trophy machines despite having battled in domestic cups, where there previous success came in the 2021-22 Nedbank, beating Marumo Gallants in that final.

“It is not something that is common to join a club and quickly win two trophies. It is important for me and for us as a team, especially the new players who are coming in with the ambition to help the club,” Cele said, adding he has had his fair share of critics.

“It has always been about working hard and focusing on myself and forget about the outside distractions. Since I was young, I always wanted to find myself in these positions.

“Being here is massive and a motivation to go to another level. It’s a blessing to be part of this team because they are always looking for more. We went into this game looking to win because it has been a while since we won the MTN8.”

Cele, 29, who joined Downs in September on a free transfer, had endured a trying period before that as he was sidelined at Chiefs while negotiations over compensation were concluded.

The midfielder impressed at Amakhosi last season returning from a career in Europe at clubs mostly in Portugal, then Poland and Russia, is grateful for the opportunity to take his career up a level at Sundowns.

“Football is like life, sometimes there are difficulties, and you have to overcome them,” he said.

“Going through what I went through and to be here is about pushing myself and focusing on what coming next. It is about being at a club like Sundowns and I am grateful.”

Ndlovu, 23, has made an instant impression since joining Downs from Lamontville Golden Arows in July and said he wants more trophy success.

It was easy for me to adjust because the football we play here at Sundowns is almost the same to how we played at Arrows under coach Manqoba Mngqithi.

—  Siyanda Ndlovu

“I am happy to get the second trophy here at Sundowns. I didn’t play in the MTN8 before and my dream was to win it and that has happened,” he said, adding he did not focus much on people who questioned why he joined Sundowns.

“People saying I won’t play here at Sundowns pushed and motivated me a lot. I am here to compete because I am playing with quality players. I try to pull up my socks so I get my chances.

“It was easy for me to adjust because the football we play here at Sundowns is almost the same to how we played at Arrows under coach Manqoba Mngqithi.”

Matuludi, 27, who joined Downs from Polokwane City in September, said winning trophies has always been his ambition.

“I am happy to have my second trophy since I joined Sundowns. I had a chance to play the MTN8 final and win it, this is something big for my career.”

The defender said he is benefiting from playing with some of South Afica’s best right-backs at Sundowns.

“There is a lot to learn from an experienced player like Thapelo Morena. He has been in the game for long and I look up to him and Khuliso Mudau because of their experience.”