Phumlani Ntshangase reveals shock sacking from Highbury FC
Former Bidvest Wits star Phumlani Ntshangase has opened up about his unexpected dismissal from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Highbury FC.
The 29-year-old midfielder was released five games into the new season alongside former SuperSport United forward Thabiso Nkoana and Mamelodi Sundowns product Abram Ngcobo.
Highbury FC, currently struggling at the bottom of the table, secured promotion to the National First Division earlier this year after winning the SAFA ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs. However, their campaign has gotten off to a rocky start, prompting the club to make drastic changes.
In an exclusive interview with FARPost, Ntshangase revealed the details of his surprising departure. He described a positive initial experience with the club, having been personally recruited by the coach and starting in the season’s first three games.
“When I went to Highbury, the coach contacted me and outlined the vision of the team to stay in the PSL and achieve a higher position,” Ntshangase explained.
“That’s why they were looking for someone with experience. We started well with pre-season, and everything was gelling.”
HOW THINGS TOOK A TURN FOR PHUMLANI NTSHANGASE
However, things took a turn after the fifth game when the team had yet to secure a win. Ntshangase described a meeting with the chairman and the coach, where concerns were raised about the team’s performance. Individual meetings were then scheduled with players to discuss their performance and areas for improvement.
“When it was my turn, I was asked about my performance,” Ntshangase said. “I rated myself around 60% to 70%, considering I hadn’t been playing for long. But the response I got was different.” The coach changed his tune and implied he didn’t think Ntshangase did well.
This contradicted the coach’s earlier feedback, in which he praised Ntshangase’s performance and explained his substitution as a tactical decision.
“He said he didn’t think I was the player he was looking for,” Ntshangase revealed. “He said that instead of the club spending money on paying me every month, maybe it’s better they cut ties with me now and look for someone who will do a better job.”
Ntshangase expressed his surprise and disappointment at the decision but maintained his professionalism throughout the meeting. He acknowledged that the coach has the final say in player selection and thanked the chairman and coach for the opportunity.
This unexpected turn of events leaves Ntshangase’s future uncertain. The talented midfielder, who has also played for SuperSport United and Maritzburg United [now Durban City], will be looking for a new club to showcase his skills and contribute to a team’s success.
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