Big Cup setback for teen
Kaizer Chiefs have suffered yet another in a series of long-term injuries in the 2018-19 season‚ this time freshly introduced youth product Nkosingiphile Ngcobo being ruled out for six months‚ the club have announced.
The injury‚ barring a miraculously speedy recovery‚ is sure to see 19-year-old Ngcobo miss the Fifa U20 World Cup in Poland in May and June.
The talented South Africa U23 forward had only this month made a substitutes’ debut‚ and then a starting debut‚ in Amakhosi’s last two matches.
“Ngcobo will be out for six months due to Achilles tendon injury.
“We wish him a speedy recovery and stand behind him‚” Chiefs posted on their official Instagram account.
Ngcobo starred for the SA U20 team that qualified for the World Cup with a third-placed finish at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Niger last month.
The youngster was promoted back to Chiefs’ first team in December by current coach Ernst Middendorp‚ whose predecessor‚ Giovanni Solinas‚ earlier this season sent Ngcobo back down to Amakhosi’s reserve side.
He made a debut as a substitute at halftime of Chiefs’ 1-0 Absa Premiership win against Maritzburg United at FNB Stadium two weeks ago.
Ngcobo started Amakhosi’s next league match‚ the 1-1 draw against SuperSport United at Mbombela Stadium on Friday night‚ but was stretchered off in the 76th minute.
Chiefs have had long-term injuries to defender Mulomowandau Mathoho‚ midfielders Joseph Molangoane and Lebogang Manyama and goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune this season.
The youngster was promoted back to Chiefs’ first team in December