Da Cruz sets record straight on Ngcobo snub
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Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo. Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
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Da Cruz sets record straight on Ngcobo snub
Oct 23, 2026 – 09:10 am
By Siya Ndlela
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has responded to questions over the limited playing time of Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, who has made just two league appearances this season.
Speaking to the media in Durban on Thursday, Da Cruz cited intense competition as the culprit behind Ngcobo’s limited time on the field, insisting the player must work harder to force his way back into the selection frame.
Da Cruz explained that ‘Mshini’, as he is affectionately known, is currently sidelined simply because better-performing players are ahead of him in the pecking order, specifically pointing to the form of Mduduzi ‘Mdu’ Shabalala.
The French tactician emphasised that if the 26-year-old keeps putting in the effort in training, he can only hope to earn minutes on the pitch in due course.
“Nothing happened; there is no issue with Mshini. Other players in his position have simply performed better, like [Mduduzi] Shabalala – Shabalala has performed well.
“Mshini just needs to continue working hard. If he continues to work hard, he will get his opportunity, as he already has against Golden Arrows in the MTN8 (quarter-final).”
Frustrated by his peripheral role at Naturena, Ngcobo is understood to be actively seeking a fresh start elsewhere to revive his career.
In a clear sign of his intent to leave the Soweto giants, the Pietermaritzburg-born midfielder recently signed with Belgian sports management agency Lupus Sports to facilitate a move ahead of the January transfer window.
Ngcobo last featured for Amakhosi on 15 August during a 12-minute cameo as a substitute in a 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns. Since his senior debut in 2017, he has amassed 129 appearances, scoring eight goals and registering three assists.
READ: Ex-Chiefs star drops down to regional league football
While the midfielder’s future hangs in the balance, the Soweto giants are shifting their focus to a critical continental assignment as they are scheduled to face Zambian side Red Arrows in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup qualification tie at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday (18:00).
Chiefs have the task of overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit to keep their African ambitions alive.
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