"It hurt me": Ndamane ruing missed Bafana opportunity

03/28/2025 09:13 AM

TS Galaxy defender Khulumani Ndamane is remorseful about the passport situation that cost him the chance of being part of the Bafana Bafana team in the latest international break, promising that he will continue to work hard to get another chance.

Ndamane had made the final squad ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, however coach Hugo Broos revealed that the 21-year-old did not have a passport and as a result he had to be omitted.

Stellenbosch's Thabo Moloisane ended up taking Ndamane's spot, which was disappointing for Ndamane who spoke to the Sowetan in an interview.

“I was disappointed, and I’d like to apologise to everyone who believes in me,” he said.

“Honestly, it did hurt me to miss out on the opportunity to be in the national team because of a passport but sometimes you have to accept setbacks in life, and I believe maybe it was not my time yet. I’ve managed to get one, so now mine is to continue working, hoping that I’ll get that chance again.”

Having joined Galaxy from Kaizer Chiefs reserves earlier this season, Ndamane admitted he was surprised to be selected for the Bafana Bafana squad, believing a call-up was premature.

“It’s everyone’s dream to play for the national team but to be honest, I never saw the call-up coming so early, especially not in my first season, hence it never hit me to go and get my passport when I saw my name in the preliminary squad,” the Rockets defender shared.

One of seven children, Ndamane explained his move from Kaizer Chiefs reserves to TS Galaxy stemmed from a desire to play for a top-tier club even if it meant leaving Chiefs permanently.