Bafana Bafana defender Siyabonga Ngezana is back at training with his Romanian club FCSB following a long injury layoff, in what could be a boost for South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane.
The former Kaizer Chiefs centre-back underwent knee surgery in early June and has been recovering since then. The injury setback saw the 28-year-old missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Initially injured at the 2025 AFCON tournament while on duty with Bafana and aggravated when he returned to his club, Ngezana continued to play under pain-relieving medication.
Surgery had been suggested to him to repair a torn meniscus in his knee, but as he previously told FARPost, he opted to delay going under the knife as he harboured hopes of going to the World Cup. However, following his exclusion from the squad for the global competition by former Bafana coach Hugo Broos, Ngezana then had successful surgery.
Having last played competitive football in mid-May, Ngezana is back on the pitch after he initially projected to this publication that he would be out for two or three months. He was pictured while participating in group training with FCSB on Wednesday.
The club even posted him on social media with the caption, “Back on track,” as he now works to regain full fitness and play his first competitive match of the 2026/27 season.
MORE BAFANA CENTRE-BACK OPTIONS FOR PITSO MOSIMANE AS NGEZANA RETURNS
It is not yet clear when Ngezana will be selected to play a game by his club. However, with the next FIFA break set for November 9 to 17 and Bafana facing Kenya in back-to-back 2027 AFCON qualifiers, it appears unlikely that Ngezana could be fit for the demands of international football then.
But provided that he starts playing and injury does not strike again, the ex-Amakhosi star could be available for selection in the March 2027 FIFA break. His availability could be key for South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane.
A crop of young central defenders like Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane and Lebone Seema are at coach Mosimane’s disposal.
Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi is also available, as Ngezana brings experience after playing every minute in Bafana’s four games at the 2025 AFCON finals.
RELATED STORY: Ngezana opens up on ‘hardest surgery decision’ and gives comeback timeline
