Defender Siyabonga Ngezana, a former Kaizer Chiefs player, recently shared his unexpected journey into the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where he played a crucial role for Bafana Bafana in their matches against Nigeria and Zimbabwe last week.
Despite his initial uncertainty about starting, Ngezana excelled in both games, forming a solid partnership with Mamelodi Sundowns' Mothobi Mvala in the centre of defence.
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Ngezana's contributions helped Bafana secure a win and a draw against the Super Eagles and Warriors respectively, keeping South Africa on course for the World Cup finals.
"Actually, I was not sure I was going to start the game because of I've been on a break for long as the PSL (season) ended just now and there were players that were playing," Ngezana told Sports Night Amplified with Andile.
"But I was always prepared mentally, you know that once the chance comes - then I must grab the opportunity. Then, yes, the coach said I will start and that's how I took the opportunity," he continued.
While no clean sheets were recorded in these matches, the defensive resilience displayed by Ngezana and his teammates has been a positive sign for Bafana Bafana, who currently sit in second place in their qualifying group, tied on points with Rwanda. It was particularly impressive how the defensive line stopped the Super Eagles from scoring a second goal despite the hosts piling on the pressure where they crucially needed to beat South Africa to overtake them on the table.
Beyond his national team duties, Ngezana has also made significant strides at club level with FC Steaua Bucharest in Romania. In his debut season, he helped the club secure the Romanian title, their first in nine years, and became a mainstay in manager Elias Charalambous' FCSB lineup. Over the course of the season, Ngezana was a key figure in Steaua's championship-winning campaign.
Reflecting on his call-up to the national team, Ngezana expressed a humble attitude, acknowledging the unpredictability of national team selections.
"It's not that I was expecting to be called-up, but even if they didn't call me, I was going to be happy with myself where I come from and stuff because he never confirmed. Hugo Broos, you know with his decision. He is someone who has his own mentality, but then I made the call-up and I was happy," Ngezana said.
As the football season pauses globally, Ngezana is preparing for his next appearance on the field, which will be a pre-season friendly against Eredivisie's Almere City FC on June 28 with Steaua Bucharest.
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