If Kaizer Chiefs are going to get their DStv Premiership season back on track against Mamelodi Sundowns this weekend, they will look to skilled midfielder, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, to produce a statement performance that validates the potential he undoubtedly possesses.

‘Mshini’ is endowed with all the attributes to be a top class playmaker and, after a run of games in the starting line-up, he feels he is coming into form at the right time.

“Personally, I think I started the season slowly, but I’m getting my rhythm and I’m constantly working hard to make sure I improve every day,” he says, ahead of the morning practice session.

The 23-year-old came close to finding the net on a few occasions in recent matches and is confident he will convert those near misses into goals before long, revealing, “At training I’m starting to score more goals so, I think soon it will come.”

That will be good news for the Amakhosi faithful, as well as the team, who are coming off the back of two successive defeats.

Ngcobo takes the criticism as part of the game but refuses to let the doubters distract the Club from following their own game plan and strategic ambitions.

“As soccer players we know it’s like that. Sometimes you lose games,” he says philosophically, “But now it’s up to us to stay focused. We know what we want to do and we try to concentrate on the next match and not worry about what has already happened. We can learn from the mistakes and try to rectify them.”

Chiefs entertain an in-form Sundowns side and it will take a supreme effort to triumph over them. Ngcobo is ready to rise to the challenge awaiting him and his teammates, pointing out, “We need to focus on ourselves. We know where we can hurt Sundowns and we just have to make sure that we play our A-game because we need maximum points,” said Ngcobo.

“They have been winning more games than us, but I believe you create your own luck through hard work. That is the key to getting to where we want to be and I am confident we will get there,” Ngcobo added.

The fan favourite expressed his deep appreciation for the passion and devotion of Chiefs’ magnificent fanbase through difficult times, pledging to give everything on the field against Sundowns to reward their loyalty.

“Amakhosi supporters, we love you,” he says, hand on heart. “Thank you for the support and please come in numbers to watch us. We promise we will give you our A-game.”

The match will kick off at 20:00 on Saturday at FNB Stadium.

Tickets for this humdinger are already on sale through www.ticketpros.co.za and various outlets including Postnet, Sasol, Spar and Boxer supermarkets, at R60 per ticket.