Latest news with #SiyabongaNgezana
3 days ago
- Sport
Kaizer Chiefs product tipped for big things in Europe
The Kaizer Chiefs legend, Itumeleng Khune, knows FCSB star Siyabonga Ngezana very well. Find out why the Sebokeng-born defender is playing in Europe today. The Kaizer Chiefs academy product started playing first-team football for Amakhosi in 2017. After 123 games, six goals and one assist, Ngezana's dream came true when FCSB came knocking in December 2023. The player known as Magwegwe has won two SuperLiga titles with FCSB while also playing 16 games in UEFA Champions League qualifiers and the UEFA Europa League against Manchester United. Siyabonga Ngezana in action for FCSB in the Romanian SuperLiga. Image: Afrika Foot 'You know what stood out about Siya? He was never scared to push me,' Khune told the Soccer Laduma . 'As a senior, sometimes people think you can't be challenged. But Siya was the one telling me, 'Itu, let's go to the gym. Join me for sit-ups.' And I respected that. 'He was a gym freak, I won't lie. We'd be training three times a day. Morning session, field session, then ice baths. He took it seriously,' the Kaizer Chiefs icon added. Kaizer Chiefs news: FOUR players GONE 'Because of that discipline, he's now playing against teams like Manchester United in Europe. He's playing in the Europa League. He might even play in the Champions League next season. And who knows, he could be the next South African after Benni McCarthy to win it,' Khune concluded. Hugo Broos sends a message to Kaizer Chiefs Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
29-04-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
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.
24-04-2025
- Sport
'I tried my luck as a striker for Orlando Pirates' – ex-Kaizer Chiefs defender
Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Siyabonga Ngezana revealed that he played as a striker for the Orlando Pirates academy. The 27-year-old tall defender spent six years at Naturena before making a big move to Romanian giants FCSB in 2023. Since his move, Ngezana has been the star of the team, winning the SuperLiga in his first season. Speaking on Soccer Beat , the former Kaizer Chiefs star said he played for Orlando Pirates' academy team before switching to Amakhosi. 'I was playing amateur football in Soweto. I was playing for Future Stars, then I went to the trials for Orlando Pirates. That's where it started, and I progressed to play for Orlando Pirates (academy).' He stated that he joined the Chiefs' academy after being released by the Buccaneers. 'If you remember, I started as a striker at Pirates. I first registered as a centre-back during the trials in Sebokeng in Vaal. I failed my first trial as a defender because you only get 15 minutes. There are a lot of people during trials and you don't even have enough time to show your skills,' Ngezana added. 'I tried my luck again when they announced the trials at Mayfair. Because of the large number of defenders and midfielders, I tried my luck as a striker because of my height. I wanted to be seen because I didn't want to go back home. I was picked as an Orlando Pirates player and we played in the academy league,' said the former Kaizer Chiefs defender. 'After the league finished, I was one of the players who got released, and then I went to Kaizer Chiefs. He played as a striker initially for Amakhosi but switched to centre-back before getting promoted to the main team. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
