As a very strong junior tennis player in Zimbabwe, Daniel Ndlela earned a junior world ranking of 575 singles/ 465 doubles. Daniel made an immediate impact in the college ranks, starting his career at Fresno City College. Transferring to Concordia University as a junior, Ndlela quickly established himself as a national force by picking up a national ranking in the NAIA in both singles and doubles.

           In his senior year and following his graduation from Concordia University, Daniel was chosen to represent Zimbabwe in Davis Cup competition. Following in the footsteps of great Zimbabwean tennis legends like Byron Black and Wayne Black, Daniel represented his country well in two international events in 2008.

           In 2008 Daniel traveled to Paraguay, Venezuela, and Bulgaria, competing with some of the best tennis players in the world. At the end of the 2008 professional season, Daniel held a world ranking of 1446.