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By Sibongiseni Gumbi

Football Writer


Ngezana hopes to help Chiefs end cup drought

Kaizer Chiefs defender Siyabonga Ngezana knows what the team need as they find themselves in a desperate situation: solutions.


The lanky 19-year-old defender believes the youngsters like him in the team should be the solution to the team’s situation and not just an answer to those who ask what the development academy does.

And joining the senior side during Naturena’s worst trophy drought has served as a big lesson for Ngezana.

“The pressure that has come with the lack of success is good. It is building our character and making us stronger from an early age,” he said.

Ngezana said they will put all the past mistakes behind them when they meet Free State Stars in a Nedbank Cup semifinal at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban tonight. This is now the only chance at any silverware for Amakhosi.

“Setbacks demand great comebacks. We are still focused. The game is big for us and the supporters. We have to fulfil what we promised at the beginning of the season,” he added.

“The Nedbank Cup is important because it also comes with a chance to play Caf competitions. It will me important to score an early goal.

“It’s all about us as players. We need to bring something to the table. We really need this win – we need it more than Free State Stars. It has been three seasons of drought and we need to end it.

“We know what needs to be done,” he said.”

Amakhosi were at some stage on form and in contention for the Absa Premiership title as well but have since fallen off with the race now between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.