‘When I do get it right, people still talk’: Siyabonga Ngezana on criticism

Amidst criticism from figures like former Orlando Pirates star Benson Mhlongo, Bafana Bafana defender Siyabonga Ngezana has responded to the ongoing questions about his abilities.

Ngezana, a towering figure on the pitch, is no stranger to scrutiny. His time at Kaizer Chiefs was marked by both impressive displays and costly errors, leading to frequent criticism from fans and even boos from the stands.

Despite this, he persevered, eventually securing a surprise move to Romanian giants FCSB in 2023. Initially, his form at FCSB was inconsistent, mirroring his struggles at Amakhosi.

However, Ngezana has since blossomed into a key player, culminating in a league title, Super Cup victory, and UEFA Europa League qualification in his first season in Romania. His exceptional performances earned him prestigious awards, including SuperLiga Defender of the Year and Best Foreign Player.

Ngezana’s impressive club performances attracted interest from clubs like FC Lorient in Ligue 1 and caught the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.

But even after breaking into the Bafana Bafana squad and making a name for himself, Siyabonga Ngezana still finds himself under scrutiny from fans and ex-footballers.

BAFANA BAFANA DEFENDER NGEZANA BRUSHES OFF CRITICS DESPITE SUCCESS

Ex-Pirates captain and assistant coach Benson Mhlongo recently questioned Ngezana’s composure on the international stage, urging him to improve his game while on Bafana duty.

However, Ngezana remains unfazed by such criticism. “People will always talk, whether you do well or badly,” he said in an interview with FARPost. “It’s the nature of football.

“What I can say is that when you start something, a football career, in my case, at the professional level, at some point, I am bound to make mistakes and have setbacks. It is part of the process of growing.”

The 27-year-old centre-back emphasised his focus on continuous improvement, driven by a desire to excel for Bafana Bafana and his club.

“You do good, people will criticise; you do bad, people will also criticise. I work hard and try to limit my mistakes, but when I do commit them, I learn and become a better player.

“And when I do get it right [performance], people still talk. I’m doing my own thing and believe in myself; that’s what I can say [to my critics].”

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