Kaizer Chiefs academy product Xolani Cossa is making a significant impact while on loan at Black Lions FC in the Botswana Premier League, earning high praise from his coach, Owen da Gama.
Loanee Excelling in Central Defence
The 21-year-old left-footed centre-back joined the Botswana side on a season-long loan after proving his ability beyond the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) developmental level in South Africa.
The move was deemed necessary for Cossa to gain valuable senior playing time, given the competition for the left-sided central defence role at Kaizer Chiefs from players like Aden McCarthy and Rushwin Dortely, as well as the more experienced first-team defenders Inacio Miguel, Zitha Kwinika, and Given Msimango.
Coach Da Gama’s Endorsement
Veteran coach Owen da Gama, despite his team’s recent 1-0 loss to Mochudi Centre Chiefs, singled out the young defender for commendation, calling him a “true professional.”
Speaking to FARPost, Da Gama stated:
“Xolani is a true professional… Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns always produce quality professional players.”
The coach further highlighted Cossa’s immediate positive influence on the team: “We are happy to have him here. He has added such a lot of impetus in our defence. It was evident once he went off, we started battling a little bit at the back there.”
Currently, Black Lions FC is positioned 10th in the league standings, with a record of three wins, two draws, and six defeats
