Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana has offered a candid assessment of Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo’s stalled career, suggesting that the talented playmaker needs a fresh start away from Naturena if he is to fulfil the potential that has been spoken about for years.
Ngcobo, once regarded as one of the most promising young midfielders in South African football, has struggled for consistent game time and form at Chiefs. Injuries, coaching changes, and tactical shifts have all contributed to his inability to cement a regular starting position, despite flashes of the technical ability and vision that first marked him as a future star.
Kekana, who enjoyed a trophy-laden career with Sundowns and earned legendary status for his leadership and professionalism, believes that a change of environment could be exactly what Ngcobo needs. “Sometimes a player needs a new challenge, a new voice, and a new system to rediscover themselves,” Kekana said. “Ngcobo has the talent, everyone has seen it. But talent alone is not enough. He needs to play regularly, and if that means moving away from Chiefs, then he should consider it seriously.”
Kekana’s comments echo the sentiments of many football analysts and fans who have watched Ngcobo’s career stagnate in recent seasons. At 26, he should be entering the prime of his career, yet he finds himself on the periphery of a Chiefs squad that is itself struggling for consistency and silverware.
The advice from Kekana carries weight given his own career trajectory, he moved from Black Leopards to Sundowns and became one of the most decorated players in PSL history, lifting multiple league titles and the CAF Champions League. His message to Ngcobo is clear: comfort is the enemy of growth, and sometimes the bravest decision is to walk away.
Whether Ngcobo heeds the advice remains to be seen. He remains under contract at Chiefs, and any move would require careful negotiation. But as the January transfer window approaches, speculation about his future is likely to intensify. For a player once tipped for greatness, the next chapter could define his legacy. And according to Kekana, that chapter may need to be written far from Naturena.
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