Cavin Johnson tells Kaizer Chiefs’ Nkosingiphile Ngcobo to show more composure

Former Kaizer Chiefs head coach Cavin Johnson says Nkosingiphile Ngcobo must learn to remain calm in front of goal after missing two important chances against Golden Arrows.

Ngcobo’s difficult afternoon came as Kaizer Chiefs were knocked out of the MTN8 at the quarter-final stage following Sunday’s match at FNB Stadium. The midfielder failed to convert two clear opportunities before being substituted in the 62nd minute.

The performance will have been particularly frustrating for Ngcobo, who has earned the confidence of new Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz. Johnson, who worked with the player during his time in charge of the Soweto club, believes the 21-year-old’s ability is not in question but says he must improve his decision-making in decisive moments.

“When I was there at Kaizer Chiefs, I always said ‘Mshini’ is a very good player, he just needs to learn to have ice in his veins, especially at the right moment,” Johnson tells KickOff.

Johnson argues that Ngcobo’s overall play already contains several positive features. However, he feels the midfielder needs greater awareness when he reaches positions from which he can score.

“In such situations on the pitch, you’ve got to be calm. You have to know what is happening around you, like all the top players like Lionel Messi, [Erling] Haaland, Jude Bellingham do when they are in those positions.

“They know what to do in those conditions.

“He needs to improve his surroundings in those positions because when he is not on those positions, he makes good passes, he dribbles… but in the scoring areas. he needs to calm himself, and have ice in his blood.

READ | 5 reasons why Chiefs are out of the MTN8

Johnson’s assessment is that Ngcobo’s work outside the penalty area is more assured than his play when a goalscoring opportunity presents itself. The former coach says the next stage of the player’s development is to recognise the situation quickly and finish the chances he creates or receives.

“He needs to improve his awareness once in goalscoring positions. He needs to score.

“He’s always shown promising signs,” adds the well-travelled coach.

The comments come with Ngcobo preparing for another opportunity to respond on the pitch. Kaizer Chiefs will return to action against Sekhukhune United at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.

Ngcobo will be eager to put his display against Golden Arrows behind him as the Soweto giants look to move forward after their MTN8 exit. For Johnson, the message is clear: the midfielder has shown enough promise to retain belief, but he must find the composure required in the moments that matter most.