Siyabonga Ngezana's incredible journey in Romania has been followed closely May Mahlangu who has given the former Kaizer Chiefs defender praise for settling in well in a country that's not always easy to make a mark.
Ngezana won the league title with Romanian Liga I outfit FCSB and was named in the team of the season, an incredible feat for a player who was a victim of some strong criticism from Amakhosi supporters. His club is still in contention to qualify for the UEFA Champions League in the coming season, which would be a huge achievement for him.
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His form has not gone unnoticed, with Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos recently including him in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
Mahlangu has praised Ngezana for how he has performed in Romania and believes he has what it takes to move on to a bigger league in future.
"I played in Romania for three years. The team he is playing for there, it's like he is playing for Sundowns. It's a team that has a big budget. They buy players that they want and they compete to play in the Europa League or Champions League. I was playing for Bucharest and they are like your Orlando Pirates. So, they are rivals," Mahlangu said in an exclusive interview with the Siya crew.
"I know that the owner of the team he plays for is one of the craziest guys. If you don't perform, then he can fire you. So, for him to adapt in those conditions and where they put so much money, it's great. For him to win the league is great and people must ask why he was being criticised in South Africa but he is now doing well there. Now people will watch him playing in the Europa League, if they don't qualify for the group stages (of the Champions League).
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"For him, it's a different level and different culture. Sometimes as a player you need to go out there and challenge yourself outside, not to stay in your comfort zone. He can move to a bigger league, like Italy, France and Portugal. It depends on what he wants as a player."
