KAIZER Chiefs midfielder with teammates at training on Thursday ahead of facing TS Galaxy in the league. @KaizerChiefs/X
Image: @KaizerChiefs/X
Kaizer Chiefs are running out of time to cement their Top 8 spot, and that’s why midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo says they must be at their best going forward.
Chiefs were expected to rebuild the team while grinding out results this season after signing players and appointing coach Nasreddine Nabi.
But they seem to have struggled on both ends. The performance of the team and individuals hasn’t been convincing so much so that they are starring on an 10-year barren run.
They are eighth on the log with just 29 points, one ahead of the ninth-placed Chippa United who have two games in hand.
Chiefs’ season could turn out to be worse should they finish outside the Top 8 for a second successive season and fail to win the Nedbank Cup.
Ngcobo, who was speaking this week ahead of their league clash against TS Galaxy at New Peter Mokaba Stadium this evening (7pm), identified what has gone wrong this season.
“We started very well in the league, scoring goals. But I am not sure what happened,” Ngcobo reflected.
“It’s not that we are playing badly, but it’s just that we are not scoring as we started the league. But it’s the whole team - not just up front.
“We dropped our standards a bit which is just unacceptable. So, we are focused on that and trying to improve with every game.”
The shaky position that Chiefs currently find themselves in on the log has everyone - including the management, team and fans - worried at the moment.
But ‘Mshini, has called for calm and focus as they try to steer themselves to clear waters and finish better than last season’s disastrous 10th-place spot on the standings.
“We have had discussions about that, and are aware of it as a team,” Ngcobo said. “We have to focus more on our games, and give 200% to win.
“We mustn’t panic because of that. So we must stay focused, and make sure that we play every game and give our best.”
Chiefs have to be at their best this evening. They can’t afford to undermine Galaxy who’ve been a nightmarish opponent since their first meeting in 2019.
Add to the fact that Chiefs need to win at all costs as they are on the back of back-to-back losses in the league.
“Playing against TS Galaxy will not be easy. We know that they are a tough opponent,” Ngcobo said.
“But I think we’ll be able to match them. We just need to convert each and every chance that we’ll get on the day, and improve our scoring.”
Chiefs and the players have to improve as a collective and individuals, and Ngcobo is one of the players that needs to pull up his socks.
The 25-year-old has been given a chance, playing nine games across all competitions, but he has blown hot and cold at times. A reality he knows.
“I think from the minutes that I got this season, I could have done better in my performances,” Ngcobo explained.
“But then, I still believe that with the games still to play this season, I am going to get another chance and I will grab it with both hands and try to help the team.”