Kaizer Chiefs defender Xolani Cossa targets first-team return after loan move

Xolani Cossa says his season-long loan to Gomora United will give him the experience and playing time he needs to return to Kaizer Chiefs and challenge for a place in their first team.

The 22-year-old left-sided centre-back has joined Gomora United in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, alongside Kaizer Chiefs team-mate Sifiso Timba, who is beginning another loan spell at the club.

Cossa previously featured for Kaizer Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge side before spending last season in the Botswana Premier League with Black Lions FC. He will now remain away from Naturena for another campaign as he looks to develop further in South African football.

The defender believes regular exposure to more intense matches will help him prepare for the next step of his career and improve his prospects of competing for a place in the Betway Premiership with Kaizer Chiefs.

“I want to thank (the Kaizer Chiefs) management for giving me a chance to come here and show what I can do. Maybe this is the stage I need to go through so that I can get to the top (Betway Premiership). Last season, I was in Botswana and I came back and this season they said I need to get experience in SA, so I told myself I need to come to the First Division to get more intense game,” Cossa said to Soccer Laduma.

He also stressed the importance of securing consistent minutes, identifying areas of his game that he wants to improve during his time with Gomora United.

“I need to get some more minutes so that I can get my game up. I need to go back (to Chiefs) to fight for my position, if given a chance. This loan move will help me a lot. I think I need to work on the moments and timing of the game and maybe composure. I think it (the loan move) will help me a lot. It will help me grow.”

Cossa’s previous spell in Botswana provided important lessons beyond his performances on the pitch. Playing in the country’s top division helped him understand the demands of league football and offered insight into the level required for continental competition.

“(In Botswana), I think I learnt a lot because I was playing in the Premier League. I learnt the tempo of the Premier League and how it would be at a CAF level. I learnt how to stand on my own and I learnt how to manage things outside the field, so the time in Botswana really helped me a lot. I learnt new things.”

While Cossa and Timba have left on loan, Kaizer Chiefs are also expected to send goalkeeper Bontle Molefe out for the season.

There is interest in Molefe’s services from the Motsepe Foundation Championship, with Real Native FC, formerly known as Casric Stars, having shown an interest. Newly established Hope FC are also reported to be considering a move for the goalkeeper.