Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo is hoping the arrival of new head coach Fernando Da Cruz will mark the beginning of a new chapter in his Amakhosi career as he targets a consistent run in the side this season.
The 26-year-old playmaker heads into the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign eager to rediscover the form that once made him one of the club’s brightest academy graduates after injuries curtailed his influence last season.
Ngcobo endured a frustrating 2025/26 campaign, struggling to establish himself under then co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze as recurring fitness setbacks disrupted his momentum.
He still managed 21 appearances across all competitions, scoring once, but the campaign fell short of the standards many expected from one of Chiefs’ most naturally gifted midfielders.
Having graduated through the club’s youth structures before making his senior debut in 2017, Ngcobo has become one of the longest-serving members of the current squad.
He has amassed 127 appearances for Amakhosi, contributing eight goals and three assists along the way.
While flashes of his quality have never been in doubt, consistency has often proved elusive.
With Da Cruz now at the helm and looking to reshape Chiefs ahead of the new season, Ngcobo believes he has another opportunity to cement his place in the starting line-up.
“I am feeling good and looking forward to the new season,” Ngcobo told the club’s media team.
“My aim is always to try harder, do the right things and put all of my energy into the game, so I am eager to perform at my highest level this season.”
The attacking midfielder also believes Chiefs’ pre-season tour of Spain has prepared both himself and the squad for the challenges that lie ahead.
Amakhosi spent ten days based at the Pinatar Arena Football Centre in Alicante, where they faced Rangers, Al Kholood and La Liga side Elche.
Chiefs drew 1-1 against both Rangers and Al Kholood before ending the tour with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Elche, performances that offered Da Cruz an opportunity to assess his squad and continue implementing his philosophy.
Ngcobo believes the demanding camp will stand the team in good stead.
“The training camp went very well. Personally, I found it to be quite testing, a good challenge. I fought to become a better player, a better person.
“Also, as a team, it was a great experience. We all got a lot out of the camp, which we will take into the new campaign.”
With Chiefs determined to return to the summit of South African football, Ngcobo knows this season could be pivotal both for the club and his own career.
A fresh coach, renewed confidence and a clean bill of health may finally provide the platform for one of Naturena’s longest-serving players to fulfil the potential many have long believed he possesses.
