How mistakes and Zwane made Chiefs’ Ngezana stronger 

Siyabonga Ngezana’s belief in his coach at Kaizer Chiefs, Arthur Zwane, is what has driven him to improve every day. 

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Ngezana is becoming a better player with each game this season after a start so bad it almost cost him his place in the team. 

But, with Zwane firmly believing in the 26-year-old, Ngezana survived when supporters were calling for his axing, claiming he was not good enough for Chiefs. 

Speaking to the media in the build up to their game against Marumo Gallants at the weekend, Ngezana said it was his will not to disappoint Zwane that kept him going. 

“It’s  all about the mindset and that the coach believes in me a lot,” Ngezana said.

“I have worked with coach Arthur from development and I also believe in him. 

“I also don’t want to let him down. So, every chance I get to play I try to do my best,” Ngezana added. 

Ngezana appreciates the criticism

The Chiefs defender also said that mistakes are common in football and appreciated the flak he took for his.

“The mistakes… I think I am not the only player who makes mistakes. The mistakes also happen to the best players.

“The critics are part of the business. They are there to make us better players, you know, (to make us) not be in a comfort zone.”

Tougher competition next season

Ngezana has made the central defence his own this season, jumping ahead of the likes on Njabulo Ngcobo and Zitha Kwinika. 

But the competition is likely to be even bigger next season for Ngezana and other defenders at Amakhosi. 

Chiefs have already concluded the signing of Thatayaone Dithlokwe from SuperSport United and are also said to be close to nailing down Given Msimango of TS Galaxy. 

“They can bring more players. That is good for the team because we want to return Kaizer Chiefs where it belongs,” added Ngezana.

“You know the history here is very rich. It doesn’t matter who comes in as long as he is good for Kaizer Chiefs. 

“The competition has always been there. When I got here there were better players, great players but I am still here.”

Chiefs host Gallants at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening in a DStv Premiership fixture that bound to be a thriller.  

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Gallants are fresh off a 3-1 win over Royal AM in a league that descended into chaos at the end. 

They also scored an impressive 3-2 come from behind in the Caf Confederation Cup last weekend. Chiefs, meanwhile, are targetting second place in the table and a spot in next season’s Caf Champions League.