Dino Ndlovu to answer Mashaba's call

    Dino Ndlovu has escaped his comfort zone and is shining brightly in the often unfairly underrated Cypriot top division. His form in front of goal could see him back in Shakes Mashaba's Bafana Bafana selection.

The 26-year-old will be the first to admit that he failed to live up to his billing on home soil, but for Anorthosis Famagusta, the former SuperSport United striker has excelled.


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With 15 goals in 20 starts for the club, Ndlovu has scored five more goals than the highest placed South African in the Absa Premiership golden boot race, Prince Nxumalo.

Thamsanqa Gabuza, Bongani Ndulula, Sibusiso Vilakazi and Tokelo Rantie - regulars under Shakes Mashaba - have under-performed or lacked game time this season, opening the door for Ndlovu, who is expected to be named in Ephraim Mashaba's squad for upcoming 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Cameroon this month.

Ndlovu was called up for 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Angola in November last year, but was not used by 'Shakes' over two legs.

The Klerksdorp-born striker, though, is fully focused on his club side, who still harbour title ambitions. Anorthosis sit 10 points behind leaders APOEL after 25 rounds of fixtures.

"For me, my focus is on my club team at the moment and not on Bafana Bafana," Ndlovu said. "If I continue performing at club level the opportunity to represent my country will present itself.

"I will always be available for selection."

Asked what he thinks is behind his up-turn in form, Ndlovu said: "Hard work, I have had my ups and downs in my career and I am finally reaping the rewards of hard work. I am more focused away from home, the technical team, everyone at the club has been amazing and I can't complain - I am enjoying myself and it shows on the pitch."

Ndlovu is eyeing more goals as the club continue their pursuit for league honours. The forward will not rest on his laurels.

"Of course all football players set goals - for me its all about putting those goals in black in white. At the start of the season I set my target at 20 goals, I am ambitions and I think I will get there. For me its all about helping my team finish higher than we did last season," Ndlovu added.

"The title ambitions are there, we are fighting to win the league and our goal of course is to finish atop the standings. Our mandate changes as the weeks pass. We have the players and the ability to challenge for the league, we just have to remain focused."