Kaizer Chiefs loanee Xolani Cossa believes he is ‘now inches’ away from reaching the level required to play for Amakhosi in the Betway Premiership.
The 22-year-old left-footed centre-back has had to take the long route, with loan spells away from his desired home, the Naturena Village. During the 2025/26 season, he was in the books of Botswana Premier League side Black Lions FC, where he captained the team and gained crucial senior experience and leadership at a young age.
Cossa returned to South Africa hoping to finally break into the Chiefs first team. But he was instead sent out on another loan, this time to Motsepe Foundation Championship side Gomora United for the 2026/27 season.
While he is enjoying his time at Gomora, the defender says the two loans have made him a complete player who understands the demands of professional football, especially at his parent club, Kaizer Chiefs.
‘NOW I NEED TO PROVE MYSELF’ SAYS XOLANI COSSA
Speaking to FARPost in an interview, Cossa made a bold statement about his readiness to compete for a place at Chiefs.
“I think I’m halfway there, or an inch away, but I think I’m ready for that stage at Kaizer Chiefs. Now I need to prove myself that I deserve to be there. I don’t have to talk about football; I have to show them what I’m capable of. Football is run by legs, not by mouth,” Cossa told FARPost.
Additionally, Cossa says he understands football comes with scrutiny and opinions. He said: “In football, there will always be doubts. I was part of the set-up [Chiefs] at the start of the season, and I understand that people will have different opinions about my game. For me, it’s about staying focused and showing that I am ready for that level.”
The defender added that his time in Botswana and now under Patrick Phungwayo at Gomora has prepared him mentally and tactically for the demands of the Betway Premiership and even CAF football.
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