Ngezana points out a similarity between Chiefs & Romanian champions FCSB
South African defender Siyabonga Ngezana has identified a similarity between his former club, Kaizer Chiefs, and current Romanian team, FCSB.
Ngezana left Chiefs for greener pastures in June 2023, signing a five-year deal with Romanian Liga 1 powerhouse Fotbal Club FCSB.
The defender had been with Amakhosi for most of his professional career, having been promoted to the first team from the youth side back in 2016.
Although, he spent seven years in the senior ranks at Chiefs, a club once known for their success and nicknamed ‘The Cup Kings of SA football,’ Ngezana never experienced the joy of lifting a trophy. The Soweto giants have been enduring a lengthy barren spell.
However, Ngezana’s fortunes took a turn for the better in Romania as he secured his first career trophy as FCSB clinched their 27th league title at the weekend. Ngezana, in the heart of defence, played a massive role as FCBS ended their nine-year league title drought, beating FCV Farul Constanta on Saturday night at the National Stadium in Bucharest.
But the 26-year-old’s journey at FCSB wasn’t always smooth sailing. Initially struggling for game time, Ngezana was presented with an opportunity, and he grabbed it when ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Napoli defender Vlad Chiricheș sustained an injury.
The Amakhosi defender’s impressive performances solidified his place as a key defensive pillar, contributing significantly to the team’s success, and his impact is undeniable.
Throughout the season, he amassed 31 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with a goal and an assist. More importantly, Ngezana’s defensive prowess helped FCSB keep a staggering 14 clean sheets. His consistent displays were further recognised with several Man of the Match awards and a Bafana Bafana call-up. He was also linked with a move to French Ligue 1.
FCSB REMINDS NGEZANA OF KAIZER CHIEFS: DEFENDER SEES SIMILARITY
According to Ngezana, his Romanian side and Chiefs share a passionate fanbase and a rich history. However, the lack of silverware was a common thread before FSBC broke their duck.
The trophy drought is a significant point of comparison for Ngezana. “It was the same issues [trophy drought] in a different country,” he said in an interview with FARPost.
“But I’m grateful for those struggles at Chiefs. Now, I know how to come out on top of such situations, as I experienced the drought before.
“It was tough leaving Chiefs. But I have to grow as a player. So, I would not say it was a relief to leave the club because it played a big role in my growth and success as a player.
“Without Kaizer Chiefs, I wouldn’t be where I am today. They gave me experience and love. The highs and lows so built me as Siya. My foundation is strong because of Chiefs.
“When I left the club, it was experiencing a trophy drought as they are now. It is now nine seasons without winning a trophy. So the same challenges we were facing at Chiefs were the same struggles faced by my club, FSBC. Even on this side, we struggled to win a title for so many years. It was about eight or nine years.”
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