Siyabonga Ngezana confirms French interest but…
FCSB defender Siyabonga Ngezana has opened up about the much-publicised French interest, revealing the reason why nothing has yet materialised.
Ngezana is reportedly on the radar of French Ligue 1 side FC Lorient, potentially paving the way for a January transfer.
The 26-year-old has been a revelation in Romania’s topflight, putting in impressive performances after a rocky start.
The defender faced difficulties during pre-season and required eight matches to secure his first start for FCSB. However, a stroke of luck intervened. With Romanian captain Vlad Chiricheș sidelined by injury, the door of opportunity opened for Ngezana, and he never looked back, establishing himself as a mainstay at the club.
Ngezana has played in 15 consecutive matches alongside Cameroonian international Joyskim Dawa. Their formidable partnership has propelled the Romanian giants to a commanding eight-point lead at the Superliga summit.
And Ngezana’s stellar form at FCSB hasn’t gone unnoticed, as the former Kaizer Chiefs defender has attracted French suitors.
He was also in coach Hugo Broos’ preliminary squad for the 2023 AFCON set for Ivory Coast from 13 January. But Ngezana, who joined FCSB from Chiefs in a deal worth R12 million in June 2023, missed out on the final AFCON selection.
NGEZANA OPENS UP ON LINKS WITH FRENCH CLUB
While acknowledging the French club’s interest, Ngezana emphasised that no concrete offer has been placed on the table.
However, FCSB president Gigi Becali recently confirmed that there have been discussions about Ngezana’s move to Ligue 1. In addition, Becali said that only a “good deal” will unlock the transfer door.
“It [French transfer links] makes me feel appreciated, the recognition for the hard work I’ve been putting in,” Ngezana told FARPost.
“The change of environment, from Chiefs to Romania, was not easy, but it is a process. Being linked with a move to Ligue 1 also makes me push harder in terms of hard work and not give up. You know, talent alone is not enough; you need to work hard and make a lot of sacrifices to play every week and perform well.
“I am aware of the links, but so far, I don’t have a solid offer. I haven’t been approached. Yes, my president [Gigi Becali] is talking about it, and you know, there is no smoke without fire. But there is no offer on the table.”
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