Released star sends Orlando Pirates an emotional message
After three goals and three assists in 65 games, the 30-year-old midfielder has left the Sea Robbers following a decision against a new deal.
Speaking via social media, Ndlondlo honoured the club for the opportunity and looked forward to growing elsewhere.
Former Orlando Pirates attacker is clubless Orlando Pirates signed Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo after he was hotly linked with Kaizer Chiefs. Image: @OrlandoPirates / Twitter.
'I was one of the fortunate kids who got courted by Orlando Pirates… heading to play for one of the biggest clubs in the country,' he said.
Kaizer Chiefs questioned by Khanye, again
'Playing for Orlando Pirates in camp, wearing the jersey and walking onto the field was a dream come true for any kid from the academy.
'You dream about this as a young boy… playing for Orlando Pirates – those times will always stay with me,' Ndlodlo concluded.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Willie Le Roux shares message to young players after 100th cap
Springbok Willie Le Roux has shared an emotional message after making his 100th test match appearance. Images via Instagram: @wjjleroux Willie Le Roux has encouraged up-and-coming rugby players not to give up on their dreams after he made his 100th test appearance for the Springboks over the weekend. The 35-year-old made his debut for the South African national rugby team in 2013. He has played in three Rugby World Cups, the last two of which the Boks have won. WILLIE LE ROUX SHARES EMOTIONAL MESSAGE AFTER 100TH CAP In an emotional Instagram post, Willie Le Roux thanked the public for their well-wishes on his 100th test match. The cap took place on Saturday, 12 July, in South Africa's game against Italy at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Gqeberha. ADVERTISEMENT SA won the game 45-0. Sharing a collage of pictures for the special occasion, Willie posted: 'Playing my 100th test match for the Springboks is something I've wanted since I was a child. It's a moment that feels so surreal and incredibly humbling. 'The journey to get to here was never easy…there were definitely some tough times – injuries, doubts, setbacks – moments where the road ahead felt way too steep. But I held onto belief and kept pushing. Because when you love something this deeply, you find a way to keep going. Willie le Roux used his own experience to encourage other aspiring rugby players. He continued: 'Believe in your dreams. No matter where you come from, no matter how far away your goals may seem – it is possible. It does, however, take a lot of hard work, discipline, sacrifice, and heart'. WHO IS THE HIGHEST CAPPED SPRINGBOK? The highest-capped Springbok is currently Eben Etzebeth, who has made 132 appearances in green and gold. Last October, the 33-year-old surpassed Victor Matfield's previous record of 127 caps. Apart from the duo, only six more Springboks have surpassed 100 test caps: Bryan Habana, Tendai Mtawarira, John Smit, Jean de Villiers, Percy Montgomery, and now Willie le Roux. In an Instagram post, Eben congratulated Willie on his achievement. He posted: 'What a privilege to know you and share a rugby field with you for the last few years. You are a legend, my brother and an incredible person'. He added: 'WLR100 sounds just about right!'. HOW MANY CAPS DO YOU THINK WILLIE LE ROUX WILL MAKE IN HIS CAREER? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Rassie Erasmus's 'frail' appearance sparks concern
Rassie Erasmus has sparked concern with what rugby fans believe is a 'frail appearance.' In recent pictures posted on social media, the Springbok coach looked visibly thinner. On social media, South African rugby fans have praised Rassie Erasmus' genius tactics when it comes to the Springboks. This followed the South African team's back-to-back victories against Italy on home soil. Others have shared their concern at the retired Bok-turned-coach's appearance. In recent weeks, Rassie has appeared visibly thinner and shrunken. 'Is Rassie okay?' asked one Instagram user in a post on the official Springboks Instagram account. Another added, 'Rassie was quite tall around 10 years ago. I hope he is doing okay.' A third shared his unfiltered opinion, claiming that the rugby icon 'looked terminal'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Springboks (@bokrugby) On Rassie's own Instagram account, followers are also concerned about their role model. Follower @madams3girls asked: 'Am I missing something or is he looking a bit fragile?' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Johan Erasmus (@rasrugby) While some Springbok fans claim Rassie Erasmus is likely on a weight loss regime, others have pointed to his past health woes, which he hid from the national team and the public. Months before the 2019 Rugby World Cup, the retired player was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called microscopic polyangiitis with granulomatosis, previously known as Wegener's disorder. The potentially life-threatening disorder can impact vital organs like the kidneys, lungs‚ sinuses, and trachea. Rassie Erasmus shared a look at his shoulder operation scar. Images via X: @rassierugby Deciding to keep his health woes private, Rassie later revealed that he was treated with chemotherapy. Fast forward to 2024, the Boks coach revealed he had undergone a painful shoulder operation to correct an old injury. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Emotional Willie le Roux celebrates his 100th Test match with a stunning victory over Italy
Springbok veteran Willie le Roux and his wife Holly celebrates his 100th Test match in Gqeberha on Saturday evening. Image: BackpagePix Willie le Roux was so nervous ahead of his 100th Test that he wanted the Springboks to run out shortly after he took to the field solo on Saturday against Italy. The world champions won 45-0 in Gqeberha's Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to seal the two-Test series emphatically. Le Roux (35) ran out first in front of about 44 000 supporters, but said he was quite nervous and didn't really know what to do as the thousands of people welcomed him with a loud cheer. 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐒 A special day for a special player 🥹🇿🇦 📺 Stream #RSAvITA on DStv: — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 12, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The double World Cup winner said his phone has never been this busy as it has been in the week leading up to the Test and his milestone. 'It was emotional to run out and I didn't know what to do with myself and I was just waiting for the team to come out,' the veteran said, on his achievement. 'My phone hasn't been this busy like it was this past week. The combined messages I received during the two World Cup victories weren't even this much. It was quite emotional to cut off those (the messages) because we had a job to do first (to win). 'However, it was difficult to balance that emotion with not wanting to do something stupid because you want to show something.' Le Roux, dubbed the assist king in South African rugby, showed exactly why he is called that when he put in a neat little kick through in the first half for winger Edwill van der Merwe to chase. It was a calculated one that Italy failed to field on the ground and Van der Merwe kicked it forward to score one of his two tries. Was it not for a slight forward pass, Le Roux would've put the speedy winger in for a hat-trick, but the referee called them back as Van der Merwe dotted down in the corner. Me and my dad at the springbok capping 👌👏👌 — Willie le roux (@wjjleroux) June 9, 2013 The Strand native said he's always had the support of his family, and he was happy they could share in his milestone. His dad was there for his debut back in 2013, but on Saturday, both his parents and his wife joined in the celebrations. 'Since I can remember, wherever I played, my dad was there. I thought he didn't work because he was at every game and never missed one. He always made a plan. To have him here, as well as my mother and wife, makes it very special. There are about 35 Strand Honne (friends of Le Roux) who were here too. 'There were some tough times, but I could always count on their support through the highs and lows.'
