Posted in News, Team News on Aug 17, 2017.
The Pietermaritzburg-born midfielder enjoyed an excellent season with the MDC side last season, starting in 14 matches. He also played for South Africa’s Under-20s, although he didn’t make the final squad to go to the World Cup.
Ngcobo is, relatively small at 1.65 metres but he more than makes up with quick decision-making on the pitch, excellent ball control and passing abilities.
He joined the first team for pre-season. “That was a great experience,” he reflects, “and all the players were very helpful to help me settle. Especially Siphiwe Tshabalala, Philani Zulu and Joseph Molangoane helped me a lot. They talked to me before training and explained what needed to be done.”
Besides, being a tremendously talented soccer player, Ngcobo is also doing well at Orlando High School, Soweto. This shows his character. If you do something, you do it to the best of your ability.
His hero is Tshabalala. “I like the way he plays,” Ngcobo explains. “I also play in the same position, operating in the role behind the strikers. Besides that, Siphiwe has the habit of scoring some beautiful goals. Important as well is that he keeps it simple.”
The youngster’s father, Sicelo Sami, also played soccer, but the defender never got the opportunity to showcase his talent as a professional.
Ngcobo enjoined his first experience of being part of the first team squad at the recent Soweto Derby. “Just watching all those enthusiastic supporters… It was something amazing. It made me even hungrier to play in the Derby.”
Although he doesn’t follow any other sports, the talented midfielder likes going to the cinema to see, above all, action movies. “Otherwise, I just watch soccer,” Ngcobo says, “I often look at repeats of Kaizer Chiefs games to see what players are doing on the pitch when and how, especially their off the ball movement. I really learn from watching those matches.”
“I want to bring fun and energy to the team,” Ngcobo concludes, “and to help the team achieve even more than it already has in their history.”