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| We take a look at whether Ngezana’s development could be the reason for Gordinho’s departure. |
Earlier this month, Kaizer Chiefs raised many eyebrows by letting arguably their best centre-back, Lorenzo Gordinho, move clubs to join Bloemfontein Celtic on loan.
It’s been a busy transfer period for Amakhosi so far, with Steve Komphela’s men bringing in three new faces in the form of Leonardo Castro, Siphelele Ntshangase and Kabelo Mahlasela. A trio of attacking players that will definitely offer something new to Chiefs.
Strangely, the four-time ABSA Premiership champions have not replaced Gordinho. Instead, have opted to give youngsters a chance in defence. Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya was the latest youth prodigy to earn his debut in yellow and black colours, but he is a full-back, meaning Chiefs are yet to replace Gordinho… or so we think.
In recent months, Chiefs have given opportunities to many youngsters, but one player stands out above the rest for me. Standing at 1.88 metres tall and aged just 20 with little first-team experience, Siyabonga Ngezana took his chance by the scruff of its neck, becoming a mainstay in Chiefs’ backline.
Fortuitously, Ngezana was given his debut against Mamelodi Sundowns, a time when Gordinho, along with a few other first-choice defenders, were out injured, so he has already showed a glimpse of how the club will fare without his former teammate.
Ngezana and Gordinho share a similar story, having the same football idol, Sergio Ramos, and both coming through the youth ranks of Orlando Pirates, before moving over to don the famous Chiefs jersey at junior level.
As mentioned, ‘Magwegwe’ made his debut against Sundowns, producing a Man of the Match display and heading home in his side’s impressive 2-1 win over the former African champions.
Ngezana, despite his age, is a very old-fashioned defender who takes no nonsense at the back. He’s been a rock in Komphela’s new 3-4-3 formation and could soon earn his first senior call-up to the Bafana Bafana national team.
Alongside Daniel Cardoso and Teenage Hadebe in a three-man defence, Amakhosi have been solid, conceding just nine goals in the league – no side has conceded less.
The way Ngezana reads the game as well as his leadership skills on the pitch, for me, is definitely the reason for Chiefs to let Gordinho go. In fact, he was deemed surplus to requirements weeks before his move, battling for game time alongside Eric ‘Tower’ Mathoho.
The club have shown a huge amount of faith in Ngezana, and rightfully so. He has a bright future ahead of him and is yet to have an off-game for Chiefs.