Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Siyabonga Ngezana has been backed by two former players after he was on the receiving end of criticism from his outspoken club boss, George Becali.
Becali is the owner of FCSB, the club Ngezana joined during the recent transfer window, and Ngezana was among nine players, who were criticised by the club boss after their recent 2-2 draw with Petrolul.
Ngezana, 26, was judged to have fouled opponent Jair in the box in the fifth minute of injury-time, leading to his side drop two points.
“Then Ngezana… What are you trying to do that [to give the penalty away]? Why foul there,” the angry Becali had claimed after the match, as per Gazeta Sporturilor.
But Basarab Panduru, a former Romania international turned pundit, stated that he felt the referees got their decision wrong.
“Jair hits the ball with his head, but after that I can’t say it’s a penalty foul, I’m not convinced. Rather, I would say that it is not a penalty,” he said on Orange Sport.
“I don’t really see what makes it a penalty. I don’t know what Ngezana is doing to give a penalty. I’m not convinced at all that this is a penalty!”
Nicolae Dică, a former FCSB player and coach, agreed with this judgement.
“It’s a contact. Jair hits the ball first, it’s a little contact.It’s too easy,” he added.
Overall, Ngezana has made nine appearances for FCSB and started in eight of the club’s last nine games. During that run, FCSB have picked up five wins and four draws, with Ngezana yet to lose when being named in the starting XI.
