Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo has opened up on what he believes is the definitive “turning point” for the club this season, as the Naturena-based side shifts its focus toward a return to continental football.
The Soweto giants are readying themselves for a penultimate fixture against AmaZulu FC at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium this Saturday [15:00]. Confidence is coursing through the Naturena halls after Chiefs finally breached the 50-point barrier last Sunday, courtesy of two dramatic late strikes that sank Sekhukhune United in a Betway Premiership tie.
It was a night where the man affectionately known as ‘Mshini’ pulled the strings in the middle of the park, putting in an impressive performance that lasted from the opening whistle to the final seconds.
Reflecting on that hard-fought victory, the 26-year-old playmaker told the club’s official website: “It wasn’t an easy game. It was tough, but we worked really hard to get the victory.”
For Ngcobo, the 90 minutes represented a significant personal milestone in a season where rhythm has sometimes been hard to come by. “On a personal note, I feel like I had a decent game and it was good to complete 90 minutes for the first time in a while, but there are aspects I want to improve on. Overall, I was quite happy and we take it and move forward.”
‘DECENT BUT I WANT MORE’ – NGCOBO ON COMPLETING HIS FIRST 90 MINUTES IN MONTHS
While the Glamour Boys have already mathematically secured a third-place finish in the league standings with two games to spare, there is a sense that the handbrake hasn’t been pulled just yet. Within the Gold and Black camp, complacency is being treated as the enemy.
“We are doing our usual build-up, preparing our game-plan with the coaches. We will have to work hard because it will not be an easy game,” Ngcobo insisted.
The midfielder is under no illusions about the tactical battle awaiting them in Durban, especially with a familiar face in the opposing dugout. “We know how dangerous AmaZulu can be with Coach Arthur [Zwane], so we are expecting a tough match, and we are ready to fight for the win.”
Regardless of how the final 180 minutes of the season unfold, the bigger picture is already secured: a return to the CAF Confederation Cup for the 2026/27 campaign. It is a stage Ngcobo believes the club belongs on.
NKOSINGIPHILE NGCOBO: ‘KAIZER CHIEFS HAVE TURNED A CORNER, BUT THIRD PLACE IS NOT ENOUGH’
“It’s a great feeling to know that we are going to play in the CAF competition again next season,” he admitted. “It is something we wanted to achieve as a team, and we are happy to have done it with two games to spare. I am excited for it. It will be difficult, but we will benefit from the experience.”
However, for a club of Chiefs’ stature, a third-place finish is viewed more as a foundation than a final destination. Ngcobo was candid about the standards expected at the village, suggesting that while the club has “turned a corner,” the hunger for more remains.
“I consider this to be a good season, not great because at Kaizer Chiefs the expectations are higher,” he noted with refreshing honesty. “But after the last few years, I think we have turned a corner and are heading in the right direction. We will take what we have learned and try to improve for next season.”
The Amakhosi faithful will be looking for one last show of strength at home this weekend, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00, before the side concludes their season at the very same venue against Chippa United a week later.
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