Gomora United’s Lingwati impressed by Kaizer Chiefs loanee Cossa

Gomora United defender Thato Lingwati says Kaizer Chiefs loanee Xolani Cossa has made a strong start to life at the Motsepe Foundation Championship club.

The pair have established a central defensive partnership, with 22-year-old Cossa featuring as a left-sided centre-back since joining Gomora at the beginning of the season.

Cossa arrived on loan from Kaizer Chiefs after spending the previous campaign with Botswana Premier League side Black Lions. He has quickly secured a place in coach Patrick Phungwayo’s starting line-up, appearing in matches against The Bees, Leicesterford City, Highury FC and Upington City.

Gomora have lost only one of their six matches so far this season, and Lingwati believes Cossa’s attitude and work ethic have played an important part in his adaptation.

“He is young and has the belief and he always wants to be great. That’s one thing I like about him. He works hard,” Lingwati told Soccer Laduma.

“Our combination has been going well, even though we are still trying to find each other here and there. So far so good, but I think we can always improve.”

Lingwati also highlighted the qualities that have helped Cossa settle into senior football, including his ability to switch play and understand the game.

“He can hit those diagonal balls well. On his day, and on form, he can hit those diagonal balls,” he said.

“He can read the game well, considering his age. I think he has adapted well. In the first game, he was struggling a bit, but then after that, he has continued and I see that there is a lot of improvement in him.”

Gomora will face a different test on Friday when they host Cape Town City at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in a televised fixture.

The club have played their matches at Malamulele Stadium, but the meeting with the Citizens will take place at the alternative venue.