Ngcobo should leave Kaizer Chiefs to revive his career, says Kekana

Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana has urged Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo to leave the club, saying a fresh start away from Naturena could help him revive his career and fulfil his potential.

SABC Sport reported on Monday night that the 26-year-old was seeking a move on transfer deadline day. However, the transfer could not be completed after the parties ran out of time to finalise the deal.

Ngcobo, who came through the Kaizer Chiefs academy, has made only one appearance under coach Fernando da Cruz this season. Kekana said the midfielder’s limited involvement showed that he needed to find a situation where he could play regularly, rather than continue relying on his reputation.

Speaking on Soccer Zone, Kekana said Ngcobo had to turn his ability into consistent performances.

“I think we can agree that in football you can’t have potential forever. You must reach a stage where you are a player where a team or teams can rely on. With the huge potential of this boy, we know that he’s one of the best players that we have in terms of creating moments,” Kekana said.

“He’s number 10, he knows how to pick the pass, he knows how to score goals, he’s got good technique in him.”

Kekana also questioned Ngcobo’s work rate, arguing that improving in that area would be essential if he was to establish himself as a regular player.

“He has never found the ground running at Kaizer Chiefs simply because he didn’t work so hard in terms of work rate because I think that’s the only thing that needs to happen to him,” he added.

The former Sundowns captain said Ngcobo’s record over recent seasons did not match the level expected from a player of his quality.

“If you are a player with that ability you must make sure that you play every season. He’s 26 now, in the last four years he played 55 matches. So, he has been playing 13 matches, 13 matches in the last four years, that’s not good enough for a player of that calibre.”