FSCB defender Siyabonga Ngezana’s rise has added more depth to Hugo Broos’ defence according to former South Africa national team captain Thulani Hlatshwayo.
Ngezana, 27, a product of Kaizer Chiefs development was at one point ridiculed and highly criticised by his own supporters, and while there was always notable potential and flashes of brilliance, his move to Europe caught many by surprise.
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But he’s taken the opportunity with the Romanian giants and transformed over the past season and a half, notably being exposed to continental experience, in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers and Europa League where they reached the last-16 this season.
His form and consistency has seemingly translated to the national team, featuring in seven of the last 10 games, as Bafana enjoyed an 18-match unbeaten run now.
Together with Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mothobi Mvala, Grant Kekana, and the new generation of Rushwin Dortley, Thabiso Sesane, Khulumani Ndamane, there’s been optimism surrounding the position.
“I think we have a lot of depth now in that centre-back position, also young players… seeing Siya Ngezana doing well for himself and representing the country, playing at the highest level in the world,” he said.
“And then you look at the partnerships we’ve had during AFCON, seeing Mvala doing so well, being physical and everything, now Siya while Mvala is not there, it shows the depth we now have in the centre back position.”
Ngezana will now be aiming to wrap up another league title in the Romania Superliga this season before returning to national team duty for the Lesotho and Nigeria fixtures in September for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
