Lack of support from fans irks Anele
Anele Ngcongca says he is frustrated on the sidelines after what he believes has been his best season in a Mamelodi Sundowns shirt and that perhaps he has not got the recognition his play deserves.
The former Bafana Bafana defender has praised the government for instituting the lockdown, which has left players up and down the country idle‚ but is eager to get back to action as the Brazilians chase Premiership and Nedbank Cup glory.
“Our leadership‚ the president [Cyril Ramaphosa]‚ has spoken and it is up to us to follow the rules in these difficult times‚ and that is what we have been doing.”
Ngcongca joined Sundowns from Belgian side Racing Genk in January 2017 and admits it took him time to get going.
“But it is a bit frustrating for me because if I look back‚ I think this has been the season where I feel like I have contributed the most to the team.
“I think my performances have been good and I have already helped the team to one trophy [the Telkom Knockout].
“Obviously‚ I have been sharing the cake with Thapelo [Morena]. Sometimes he plays ahead of me‚ it all depends on who we are facing and the coach’s plans.
“With him injured now‚ that would have been more responsibility for me along with the young boy from the youth [Nicholus Lukhubeni].”
Ngcongca hinted that he does not always get the praise he deserves from the Sundowns faithful‚ because his nononsense‚ efficient style goes unnoticed in a team of flashy ball players.
“It is disappointing for me‚ that players who just go and do their jobs are not recognised by the supporters. I feel like in SA if you are not showboating‚ the supporters won’t talk about you.
“I look at [Sergio] Busquets and Luuk [De Jong] at Barcelona‚ they play very simple one- or two-touch football‚ easy stuff‚ but they are still appreciated for the job they do. They do not hang on to the ball or try anything flashy‚ they just are efficient in what they do.”