Kaizer Chiefs have several problems to solve already, and it’s not even mid-August. Can Fernando Da Cruz sort things out before players revolt?
Chiefs fans voice dissatisfaction with Ndlovu
Kaizer Chiefs fans online have voiced their dissatisfaction at the defeat to Golden Arrows, and rightly so. A theme running through their frustrations has been specific criticism of Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, and they aren’t just isolated occurrences. After several injury-ravaged campaigns at the club, 26-year-old Ngcobo is fit again and has featured in both matches this season. He came off the bench against Kruger United, and started against Arrows in the 0-1 defeat. Ngcobo’s stats don’t paint a pretty picture either.
His best campaign, in terms of appearances in the league, was 2020-21 when he made 25 outings and scored four goals. Injuries have ravaged subsequent seasons, limiting Ngcobo to 16 appearances in 2021-22, then 13 in 2022-23, 12 in 2023-24 and 11 in 2024-25. Last term, encouragingly, he made 16 league appearances. However, since the aforementioned campaign in 2021, Ngcobo hasn’t managed more than two goals in a single season. He’s only scored two goals in his last three Betway Premiership seasons combined.
Da Cruz hints at changes
After a poor display against Golden Arrows in the MTN8 defeat, midfield duo Ngcobo and new man Adolf Mtasingwa could both drop out of the side Siphesihle Ndlovu could be the beneficiary as coach Fernando Da Cruz looks to freshen things up. Fan favourite Mduduzi Shabalala is also in line for a return after breaking his arm at the back-end of last season. Is Da Cruz’s job already on the line?
