(April 23,2005) Ace striker Peter Ndlovu does not agree with the many fans who have accused him of failing to live up to expectations at big-spending Mamelodi Sundowns. After being recruited at the beginning of the season after a high profile transfer reported to be worth R1.5-million and with Ndlovu said to be commanding a monthly salary of R100 000, the striker has scored only six league and two cup goals so far. In an exclusive interview, Ndlovu has responded to the criticism by saying: "I am happy with my performances so far."

"When I came to Sundowns, my mission was to play football and that is what I am doing," the Zimbabwean international striker, who among other overseas clubs has played for Coventry City in England, said defiantly after a team training session 'I am happy with my performances so far. When I came to Downs, my mission was to play football and that is what I'm doing'.

Asked about his low scoring rate, Ndlovu admitted that he had not been at his best, but was working hard to find the back of the net more often.

At the same time, he defended himself by adding that he had played a huge role in setting up goals for his teammates, something that made him happy.

"I know that the game is determined by goals and they have not been forthcoming as expected from me.

"But you must remember that I am not the only player on the field who must score goals.

"People have a right to criticise me and I will take those criticisms to heart if they are positive, and improve where I can," he said.

For most of his career, Ndlovu played as a winger or supporting striker for the Zimbabwean national team and in England, but said he was not bothered by being used as an outright striker at Sundowns.

"I have played as a striker before and I cannot use this as an excuse why I have not scored as often as I have hoped," he said.

The Bulawayo Bullet, as Ndlovu is known to his fans, continued that he was confident that things would yet fall into place at Chloorkop.

"The players understand the coach's methods now and we will get there with time.

"The most important thing at the moment is for our supporters to be patient with us," Ndlovu said.

As Sundowns go into their last four games of the season, Nldovu conceded that they had only an outside chance of overtaking runaway logleaders Orlando Pirates.

"Our mission at the beginning of the season was to win the league, but it doesn't look like we will be able do that because Pirates are on a good position.

"Our mission is to keep on working hard so that we finish the season on a high note," he said.

Coach Angel Cappa said it was true that Ndlovu hadn't performed to the best of abilities.

"He can do a lot better because he possess loads of experience, having played at a higher level," Cappa said about his most expensive player in the team.

Ajax Cape Town coach Gordon Igesund said it was unfair for Sundowns and Ndlovu to be judged on how much money he earned.

"In the first place, I don't know what type of players Sundowns were looking for when they bought him because coaches buy players for different reasons.

"I think Ndlovu deserves what he is earning at Sundowns because he is hugely experienced having played in England for a number of years," he said.

SuperSport United coach Pitso Mosimane agreed with Igesund that Ndlovu deserved what he was getting at Sundowns because of his experience.

"There is no doubt that he is a good player and if he is available I will go for him, but not for that money because I don't have it.

"I don't know his physical condition or whether he is under pressure to deliver because of what he is getting," he said.