Nkosingiphile Ngcobo’s future at Kaizer Chiefs has been the subject of much speculation in recent months, but there is an update.
Ngcobo, still only 23, has had his promising career blighted by injuries that have somewhat disturbed his progress.
However, with the club having installed Cavin Johnson as interim coach, there is a renewed optimism around Ngcobo’s future. Since Johnson took over from former Bafana Bafana coach, Molefi Ntseki, ‘Mshini’ has started two out of three games.
Johnson is said to be a big admirer of Ngcobo’s talent and is believed to be eager to get the player back to his best.
WHAT CAVIN JOHNSON SAID ABOUT NKOSINGIPHILE NGCOBO
“Mshini [Ngcobo] is the young Kaizer Chiefs player of the future,” said Johnson recently. “I think he just misses out on a lot of match fitness. But he had a big injury, a lot of you know that.
“He came back recently. He was out for a while, six months. So he’s just come back this season. He’s showing his capabilities. If we can get him ASAP back to where he should be, then he will play more often.”
As a result, Chiefs are now ready to open talks with Ngcobo over a new contract. Ngcobo’s current deal expires at the end of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season, and Amakhosi are keen to tie him down to a new long-term contract.
The club knows Ngcobo is a valuable asset, and do not want to risk losing him on a free transfer. It is understood that Ngcobo is also keen to stay at Chiefs. He is expected to be open to signing a new contract.
Talks between the two parties are expected to begin, and a deal is hoped to be reached soon. In the meantime, Ngcobo has been working hard to knuckle down a regular starting place in the team.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR NKOSINGIPHILE NGCOBO AT KAIZER CHIEFS?
All the signs suggest that the player will stay at the club for the long term. He has the backing of the interim coach, and the club’s hierarchy values him. If Ngcobo can stay fit, he has the potential to be a key player for Chiefs.
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