Injury scare for new Downs signing
MAMELODI Sundowns fans might have to wait a little longer to see their new signing Anele Ngcongca in action, after he limped off at training in Chloorkop yesterday. The defender will be assessed by the medical team ahead of the MTN8 first-leg semi-final against Chippa United on Sunday. Ngcongca has just started a new life at Sundowns after spending nine years at Belgian club Racing Genk. The 28-year-old said he was disappointed to leave the way he did as he was not on good terms with coach Peter Maes who demoted him to train with the reserve team.
The Cape Town-born player won every domestic trophy with Genk and was named in the club’s team of the century, but he felt he was not respected by Maes.
“I decided to leave the club after nine years. The problem was with the coach [Maes] who came from Lokeren. I got kicked in the ankle and when I felt the pain I stopped training. He then said ‘I thought you Africans are stronger than that’. I just left the training and after that it was finished for me. He never respected me, so I decided to move on with my life and I went to France [on loan].” he says.
There was a hold-up in Ngcongca’s deal to join Sundowns because he first had to agree on a settlement with Genk.
“I had a two-year contract with Genk. It was not easy, but we reached a good agreement.
“It was emotional because Genk is my second home as they are the ones who gave me a chance. The people there still have respect for me, but life goes on,” Ngcongca added.
He will be playing in the PSL for the first time in his career and he admits it might take some adjusting.
“I trained with the team last week and the pace was higher than in Europe. But I am happy to be back home.”