29-04-2025
From scapegoat to star: Siyabonga Ngezana's rise in Europe exposes South Africa's talent blind spot
Ex-Kaizer Chiefs star Siyabonga Ngezana Ex-Kaizer Chiefs defender Siyabonga Ngezana has been a crucial cog in FCSB's pursuit of the Romanian title this season. Photo: Flaviu Buboi/NurPhoto via AFP
Do we know how to judge football talent in South Africa? And more importantly; do the coaches know?
This is an important question that needs to be asked after Siyabonga Ngezana played an important role in helping FCSB win the Romanian league title this season.
While he was at Kaizer Chiefs, the club and their fans did not know what they had on their hands. The player was regularly criticised and labelled a 'cow' in what must have been a very stressful time for him.
Under the leadership of Arthur Zwane, Ngezana bore the brunt of the supporters' dissatisfaction. Chiefs were enduring a difficult run of form, and in such times, it is often defenders who suffer the most in the court of public opinion.
