Bafana's Ndamane ready to make impact at AFCON 2025
Africa Cup of Nations 2025
Khulumani Ndamane impressed in Bafana Bafana’s 1-0 send-off win over Ghana, showing the versatility and aerial threat that could make him a key player at AFCON. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Khulumani Ndamane is not in the Bafana Bafana squad for AFCON to make up numbers, which is why he will be given a chance to contribute whenever the opportunity arises.
Ndamane competed for Bafana, who beat Ghana 1-0 in an international friendly practice match at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto on Tuesday. Broos deployed the lanky defender in a central defensive role alongside Nkosinathi Sibisi, and the duo helped keep a clean sheet in front of Ricardo Goss and Sipho Chaine.
Ndamane, who is left-footed, brings versatility to the Bafana fold. He can play as either a centre-back or a left-back. However, he is not first choice in either position, as Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Aubrey Modiba are the starters in the two roles.
Broos, however, does not regard the TS Galaxy talisman as “just another” player; he relies on him to chip in and help the team whenever called upon.
“Firstly, I think it’s important for him to be able to go to AFCON with Bafana,” Broos stated after the clash against Ghana. “Secondly, I have been satisfied with every game Khulumani has played, including (Tuesday).
“I am very happy with him. So, I know that if something happens at the back and he isn’t on the pitch, I can always count on him.
"He proved again today that he deserves to be with us. Those are the things that make me happy.
“You know that two years ago, we won games because there were players on the bench who came in and changed the game. I am happy with him again.”
Ndamane’s strengths are not only his ability to operate in two defensive roles, but also his aerial presence, something that gives him an edge over both Mbokazi and Modiba. With West and East African teams often fielding tall strikers, Ndamane could be Broos’ trump card to counter that threat.
A strong outing at AFCON could go a long way in shaping Ndamane’s future.
In winter, he reportedly signed for Mamelodi Sundowns, who decided to let him stay at Galaxy for another season to gain more playing time. But with that move yet to be made official, European scouts could still swoop in, underscoring Broos’ confidence in his abilities.