Kaizer Chiefs might need to use some tough love on one of their most adored players. Here are the concerning numbers.
Ngcobo struck down again
According to SoccerLaduma, attacking midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo faces an anxious wait to confirm the severity of his latest injury setback. Nasreddine Nabi will be holding thumbs that the issue isn’t a serious one.
“The only injury concern we have right now is ‘Mshini’ (Ngcobo), who was coming back very well”, manager Nabi told journalists via assistant coach and translator Cedric Kaze.
“He got injured yesterday at training and we might do a test today, but it is very uncertain that Ngcobo will play on Wednesday.”
Mshini’s injury issues deepen
25-year-old Ngcobo has only made one league appearance this term. 2020-2021 was a great campaign for the attacking midfielder, with 25 league appearances and four goals. However, season on season those numbers have dwindled. He notched up 16 league appearances in 2021-2022, and then 13 and 12 in subsequent campaigns. That downward trend will be a concern for the player and his manager. Ngcobo was a key operator in the last genuinely good Chiefs side that reached the Caf Champions League final in 2021 but got dispatched by Al Ahly. Has he peaked too early and struggled to reach those heights again? The numbers would suggest so.
Chiefs need to sharpen up their midfield and attacking options
Elias Mokwana, Khanyisa Mayo and Iqraam Rayners are other South African attackers who’ve made big moves either abroad or within the Betway Premiership. Mokwana moved to Esperance for 370k (R7.2 million), Rayners switched to Sundowns for an undisclosed fee although his estimated transfer value now stands at R35 million (evidence of the power Sundowns have over the market) and Mayo is in Algeria with Belouizdad in a deal which cost his new employers €750k (R14.5 million).
How much would Oswin Appollis cost?
Zungu or Mkhulise?
Chiefs are continually linked with moves for Sphelele Mkhulise, Bongani Zungu and others. Zungu is a free agent after being released by Sundowns while 28-year-old Mkhulise is on the fringes of the first team under Manqoba Mngqithi. However, the Downs boss has maxed lyrical about the playmaker’s ability and natural talents.
Will Ngcobo put his injury issues aside and get his career back on track?
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