Changing of positions works in your favour

Occer Laduma also spoke to Siphesihle Ndlovu, who like Fortune Makaringe, is a midfielder but has had to switch roles for the benefit of the team.

Delmain Faver: Gatsheni, like Fortune Makaringe you are no stranger to playing in various positions yourself. We preright viously saw you deployed at back for Orlando Pirates. What are your thoughts on players being able to be versatile in the modern game?

Siphesihle Ndlovu: Actually, changing of positions for me I feel like it works in your favour all the time because if one player can get injured, then they can think about you and know that you are there. But also, it can be a disadvantage for you in your position because you won’t be getting an opportunity to play where you love but changing of position is a great thing for a player because it gives him more opportunities and the eyes cannot be taken off him.

DF: If you are a national team player and you were selected in a certain position, would changing your position come back to haunt you because you aren’t playing where the coach would usually use you?

SN:

Obviously, it can harm chances of you being in the national team because now you are looked at as a right back instead of a midfielder – but if a coach sees something that he can use, obviously he’s going to go for you, but ja, it can really affect the chances of you getting into the national team.

DF: When is it best to make the positional switch? When you are starting out your career and trying to find your feet, or as an older player who is already established in a certain position but trying to prolong their career?

SN:

No, it’s not that difficult for any player as long as you understand football. Because football nowadays is played with patterns. It’s all about understanding patterns and understanding movements, more especially that of your teammates. So, if you understand, you can always play and change positions and always perform. But if you don’t then it’s different.