Time to call it quits?
Nkosingiphile Ngcobo has battled to stay fit since his best club season with Kaizer Chiefs five years ago. What’s gone wrong for the midfielder?
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. 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 played a single minute in three subsequent matches. He was an unused sub against Sundowns, and was left out of matchday squads against Richards Bay and Sekhukhune.
Bobby Motaung confirmed that fans can expect more signings before the PSL transfer window closes in September. The board wants a credible title challenge, and to qualify for continental football.
Kaizer Chiefs’ new boss has started life in decent shape, defeat in the MTN8 notwithstanding. Unbeaten four three Betway Premiership clashes, the Glamour Boys held Sundowns to a 1-1 draw but followed it with a 2-2 draw at Richards Bay in the torrential rain. Next up is a home clash with Siwelele on Sunday, 6 September. Chiefs sit third in the table with eight points.
Aden McCarthy’s Kazakhstani side FC Sabah will test themselves against the best Europe has to offer this season. After overcoming Hapoel Be’er Sheva 6–5 on aggregate following an extra-time win, their reward is a place in the Champions League group stages for the first time in their history. McCarthy and his teammates will face, among others, last season’s runners-up Arsenal, English giants Man United and five-time European champions, Barcelona. Full fixtures below, with dates TBC:
