Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo Struggles to Find Consistency at Orlando Pirates Amid Calls for Tactical Change

Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo’s time at Orlando Pirates since joining ahead of the 2022-23 season has been marked by inconsistency and limited game time. The 29-year-old midfielder, who made a name for himself at Marumo Gallants, has struggled to establish a regular starting role with the Buccaneers, much to the disappointment of fans and pundits alike.

Despite high hopes following his move to one of South Africa’s biggest clubs, Ndlondlo has been used sparingly by Pirates’ head coach Jose Riveiro. Injuries and stiff competition for midfield spots restricted him to just six Premier Soccer League appearances in the 2024-25 season. His sporadic involvement has left many questioning how best to harness the player’s abilities, especially given his potential to influence games more effectively.

Former Pirates defender and current Marumo Gallants coach Dan Malesela has weighed in on Ndlondlo’s struggles. According to Malesela, the key to unlocking the midfielder’s full potential lies in playing him in a more advanced role rather than the deeper midfield positions where he has been deployed.

“Ndlondlo should not be playing as an eight or six, he needs to be utilised as a 10,” Malesela told KickOff. “In that number 10 role, he is significantly better and more effective at creating and scoring goals. That’s where he thrived when he started at Pirates, so it’s puzzling why they moved him.”

Malesela’s comments highlight a tactical misstep that could be limiting Ndlondlo’s impact. The former defender expressed disappointment at seeing a player he coached lose prominence and hopes Ndlondlo’s situation will improve moving forward.

At 29, Ndlondlo is entering what is widely considered the peak years for a midfielder. This makes it crucial for Pirates—or any club he may join next season—to deploy him in a role that maximizes his strengths. While it remains unclear whether he will stay at Orlando Pirates beyond the current campaign, Malesela’s suggestion to give Ndlondlo more freedom as a number 10 offers a promising blueprint for rejuvenating his career.

If Pirates are serious about getting the best out of him, revisiting his positioning on the field could be the turning point both the player and the club need. For Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, the next season could be crucial in defining his legacy at one of South Africa’s football giants—if given the right role and opportunities, he still has much to offer.