Kaizer Chiefs have plenty to consider as Fernando Da Cruz prepares his squad for the weeks ahead, with Nkosingiphile Ngcobo’s future, two fresh injuries and several potential defensive returns dominating the latest Amakhosi talking points.
The Glamour Boys remain unbeaten in the Betway Premiership, but the squad is facing some important selection decisions as the campaign develops.
Is Ngcobo’s Chiefs future coming to an end?
Nkosingiphile Ngcobo’s position at Kaizer Chiefs is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
The attacking midfielder has struggled to produce consistently in recent seasons, having failed to score more than two goals in a campaign since the 2020/21 season.
His numbers over the past three Betway Premiership campaigns are particularly concerning, with Ngcobo managing just two goals combined.
The 26-year-old was also an unused option during Chiefs’ recent 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Ngcobo has been part of the Chiefs senior setup since breaking through from the club’s youth ranks in 2017. He has subsequently made 129 appearances, scoring eight goals and registering three assists.
With competition for places increasing under Da Cruz, the question is whether there is still a long-term role for the academy graduate.
For a player who has spent almost a decade with the senior side, it would be a significant decision if Chiefs ultimately decided to move on.
Chiefs suffer two injury setbacks
While Ngcobo’s future remains a talking point, Chiefs are also dealing with immediate squad concerns.
New signing Langelihle Phili is expected to miss around eight weeks after suffering an ankle injury in training.
There is also bad news involving Thabiso Monyane, who has recently established himself in the first team. The defender is expected to spend approximately four weeks on the sidelines.
Monyane’s absence could be particularly significant because Da Cruz has recently experimented with a three-at-the-back system.
Four defenders nearing a return
The injury picture isn’t entirely negative, however.
Bradley Cross, Paseka Mako, Kabelo Nkgwesa and Reeve Frosler are all reportedly nearing returns to full fitness.
Their availability would give Da Cruz greater defensive depth and potentially allow him to rotate his options more effectively.
Ngcobo, meanwhile, is fit and available but has not featured for a single minute in Chiefs’ last three matches.
That could make his situation one of the more intriguing storylines to watch as the season progresses.
What should Da Cruz do next?
With Phili and Monyane unavailable for the coming weeks, Da Cruz will need to find solutions while managing his defensive options carefully.
The return of four defenders should ease some of the pressure, but Chiefs will still need to balance squad depth, form and tactical requirements.
And then there is Ngcobo.
Will the Chiefs academy graduate get another opportunity to prove himself, or is his long association with Amakhosi finally approaching its conclusion?
Chiefs fans, with Phili and Monyane sidelined, what would your starting XI look like over the next few weeks?
