Nkosingiphile Ngcobo’s place at Kaizer Chiefs is becoming increasingly uncertain after the midfielder failed to feature in three consecutive matches.
The 26-year-old has been part of the Chiefs setup for years, but his current lack of involvement under new head coach Fernando Da Cruz is raising questions about what comes next.
Ngcobo featured in Chiefs’ opening two matches of the campaign, including the MTN8 defeat to Golden Arrows. Since then, however, his involvement has dramatically decreased.
He was an unused substitute during the 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns before being left out of the matchday squad entirely for games against Richards Bay and Sekhukhune United.
That means zero minutes across Chiefs’ last three matches.
Ngcobo’s numbers raise further questions
Ngcobo has spent almost a decade with the Chiefs senior side after progressing through the club’s youth ranks and making his first-team breakthrough in 2017.
Despite showing flashes of his attacking ability, his goal contribution has not matched the expectations that surrounded him early in his career.
The midfielder has not scored more than two goals in a season since the 2020/21 campaign. Across his last three Betway Premiership seasons combined, he has managed just two goals.
Overall, Ngcobo has made 129 appearances for Kaizer Chiefs, scoring eight goals and providing three assists.
With his contract situation also becoming a talking point, the club could soon face a difficult decision over whether to continue with a player who has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
Da Cruz has plenty of competition
The arrival of Fernando Da Cruz has brought a fresh start at Naturena, but it has also created increased competition for places.
With Chiefs pushing for a stronger campaign domestically, Da Cruz will be expected to select players who fit his tactical approach and deliver consistently.
Ngcobo’s recent omission could therefore be more than a temporary spell on the sidelines.
At 26, the midfielder is entering an important stage of his career, and regular playing time will be crucial if he is to rediscover his best form.
Chiefs unbeaten in the league
Despite the questions surrounding Ngcobo, Chiefs have made a positive start to their Betway Premiership campaign.
The Glamour Boys remain unbeaten in the league after four matches, collecting eight points from a possible 12.
Their next challenge comes against Siwelele on Sunday, 6 September, with Chiefs looking to maintain their unbeaten league record and build momentum under Da Cruz.
The bigger question, however, is whether Ngcobo will be part of that next chapter.
After years at the club, could the midfielder’s time at Kaizer Chiefs finally be coming to an end?
Chiefs fans, should Da Cruz give Ngcobo another opportunity — or is it time for Amakhosi to move on?
