Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana believes Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo needs a fresh start away from Naturena if he is to revive his career and fulfil his considerable potential.
Ngcobo, 26, was reportedly pushing for an exit from Kaizer Chiefs on transfer deadline day, but a move failed to materialise after the parties ran out of time to complete the deal.
READ | Sundowns get last-minute transfer deal over the line
The Kaizer Chiefs academy product has struggled for regular opportunities in recent seasons, and his situation has not improved under head coach Fernando da Cruz.
Ngcobo has made just one appearance so far this season, further raising questions over his future at Amakhosi.
Speaking on Soccer Zone, Kekana said Ngcobo could no longer afford to be viewed simply as a player with potential.
‘You can’t have potential forever’
Kekana believes the midfielder has the technical qualities to become a key player, but needs to turn that potential into consistent performances.
“I think we can agree that in football you can’t have potential forever. You must reach a stage where you are a player where a team or teams can rely on,” Kekana said.
“He’s one of the best players that we have in terms of creating moments.
“He’s number 10, he knows how to pick the pass, he knows how to score goals, he’s got good technique in him.”
Nkosingiphile Ngcobo has long been regarded as one of the products of the Kaizer Chiefs academy with the ability to make a major impact.
However, injuries, competition for places and inconsistent playing time have restricted his progress.
Kekana questions Ngcobo’s work rate
Kekana believes the midfielder’s work rate is an area he needs to improve if he is to establish himself as a regular.
“He has never found the ground running at Kaizer Chiefs simply because he didn’t work so hard in terms of work rate because I think that’s the only thing that needs to happen to him,” Kekana said.
The former Bafana Bafana midfielder also highlighted Ngcobo’s limited number of appearances over the past four seasons.
“If you are a player with that ability you must make sure that you play every season,” he said.
“He’s 26 now, in the last four years he played 55 matches. So, he has been playing 13 matches, 13 matches in the last four years, that’s not good enough for a player of that calibre.”
Is a Kaizer Chiefs exit now the answer?
Ngcobo’s failed deadline-day move means he remains a Kaizer Chiefs player, despite reportedly seeking a change of scenery.
Kekana’s comments suggest that a move elsewhere could provide the midfielder with the regular football needed to rebuild his confidence and demonstrate his qualities.
For Kaizer Chiefs, meanwhile, the challenge will be deciding whether Ngcobo still forms part of the club’s plans or whether his long-term future lies away from Naturena.
At 26, Ngcobo is no longer an emerging youngster.
The next stage of his career could therefore prove crucial in determining whether the highly rated midfielder can finally translate his long-standing potential into consistent first-team football.
KAIZER CHIEFS TRANSFER NEWS: ALL THE PLAYER MOVEMENTS
IN: Thabo Moloisane, Renaldo Leaner, Adolf Bitegeko Mtasingwa, Khanyisa Mayo, Langelihle Phili, Faiz Abrahams
OUT: Thabo Cele, Gastón Sirino, Aden McCarthy, Glody Makabi Lilepo, George Matlou, Happy Mashiane, Given Msimango, Gopolang Taunyane, Ashley du Preez, Tashreeq Morris
LOAN MOVES: Siyabonga Gumede (Richards Bay FC), Fiacre Ntwari (Kruger United), Xolani Cossa and Sfiso Timba (both to Gomora FC), Ofentse Kgosana and Vicky Mkhawana (both to Real Natives), Pheko Phago, Samkelo Zwane, Bontle Molefe and Naledi Hlongwane (all to Hope FC)
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