Kaizer Chiefs’ favourite son frozen out

Ngcobo misses out in recent Kaizer Chiefs matches

Nkosingiphile Ngcobo’s dismal Chiefs stats merit closer observation. The attacking midfielder hasn’t managed more than two goals in a single season since the 2020-21 campaign. He’s only scored two goals in his last three Betway Premiership seasons combined, and wasn’t involved at all against Sundowns in a recent 1-1 draw. The writing could be on the wall for Mshini after nine years in the senior side. The 26-year-old joined the first team in 2017 from the youth setup. He’s made 129 appearances in the jersey, scoring eight goals and supplying three assists.

Writing on the wall?

After featuring in the club’s first two matches of the season (a win over Kruger United and a defeat to Golden Arrows in the MTN8), he hasn’t got a single minute in three subsequent matches. Ngcobo was an unused sub against Sundowns and was left out of matchday squads against Richards Bay and Sekhukhune altogether. Perhaps this is a sign that his future lies elsewhere, after nine years in the first team.

Next Chiefs match

The Glamour Boys are, in the Betway Premiership at least, unbeaten this season. With eight points from 12 on offer, it’s been a solid, if unspectacular start for new boss Fernando Da Cruz. Next up is a home clash with Siwelele on Sunday, 6 September at 15:30. Chiefs will hope for slightly better weather than they endured in a 2-2 draw at Richards Bay. Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, in particular, fell foul of it, although Da Cruz has given his goalkeeper public backing and assurances that he won’t be dropped. The match vs Siwelele will be on DSTV channel 202.