Khulumani Ndamane’s Journey from Sundowns Debut to the FIFA World Cup

Author: Erica Mathye

For Khulumani Ndamane, the 2025/26 season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Just a few months ago, the 22-year-old centre-back was preparing for a new chapter after joining Mamelodi Sundowns during the January transfer window. Today, he stands as an African champion, a Bafana Bafana international and member of South Africa’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ndamane announced himself in style when he made his Sundowns debut in the Betway Premiership against Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in January. The young defender produced a composed performance and helped the team keep a clean sheet, offering a glimpse of the maturity and confidence that would soon make him one of the Club’s most trusted defenders.

Speaking about Ndamane's performance after the match, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso said: “For Ndamane, a young player arriving at Sundowns, to put on the shirt, step onto the pitch and deliver the performance he did was not just decent—it was fantastic.”

As the season progressed, Ndamane became an increasingly important figure in the team’s campaign. He featured in the decisive second leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final against Tunisia’s Espérance before appearing in both legs of the final against Morocco’s AS FAR. For a player in his first season in Brazilian colours, it was a remarkable show of faith from the coaching staff and Ndamane rewarded that trust by helping Masandawana secure their second African crown.

For the Sahlumbe-born defender, the triumph was particularly special. It was the first major trophy of his professional career.

“I am very happy to be a part of the players who won the Club’s second Champions League title. This was my first professional trophy, which makes it even more special,” said Ndamane.

The continental campaign also provided valuable lessons for a player still at the beginning of his professional journey.

“Playing in the Champions League and being trusted to feature in such important matches so soon after my arrival was very encouraging, especially because I am still young. For the coaches to show faith in me during some of the team's biggest games was a sign that I am on the right path and that the future is bright. The confidence the coaching staff placed in me motivated me to work even harder because I did not want to let them down.”

While lifting the Champions League trophy was a dream realised, an even bigger dream was waiting around the corner.

Following a string of impressive performances in the second half of the season, Ndamane’s progress earned him a place in the Bafana Bafana squad for the eagerly anticipated FIFA World Cup. Having made his senior national team debut just last year, the 22-year-old’s rapid rise to football’s biggest stage is a testament to his hard work and consistency. The announcement marked another defining moment in a season filled with milestones.

“I was only six years old when South Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2010. At the time, I never imagined that I would one day play in a World Cup myself. I am incredibly grateful to God for placing me in positions I never thought possible. Now, I have the opportunity to represent my country at the biggest football tournament in the world.”

The news was almost too good to believe. “I could not believe it when my name was called, especially because there were many of us. It took time to sink in, but when it did, I was happy. My mother and sisters were the first to call and congratulate me and it is no surprise because they played an integral role in supporting my football career.”

Yet amid the celebrations and achievements, there remains one person whose absence is deeply felt. “I wish my father could be here to watch me play in the World Cup. He made so many sacrifices to help make my dream of becoming a footballer a reality. Unfortunately, what happened has happened, but I am sure that wherever he is, he is proud of me.”

From keeping a clean sheet on his Sundowns debut to helping deliver Continental glory, and from representing Bafana Bafana to earning a place on football’s biggest stage, Khulumani Ndamane’s journey is a story of perseverance, belief and dreams fulfilled.

Now, as he prepares to wear South Africa’s colours at the FIFA World Cup, the young defender will carry not only the hopes of a nation, but also the pride of a father who helped make the dream possible.

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