SuperSport United captain Thulani Hlatshwayo has provided his verdict over the emergence of FCSB and former Kaizer Chiefs defender Siyabonga Ngezana.
Ngezana completed a surprise move from Kaizer Chiefs to Romanian giants FCSB in December 2023 and despite a shaky start, has blossomed into a starter both at FCSB and Bafana Bafana.
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In the absence of injured Mothibi Mvala, the 27-year-old has been Hugo Broos' most trusted player in the heart of the Bafana defence and South Africa secured qualification to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and now the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Hlatshwayo, who made just over 50 appearances for Bafana, had plenty of praise for Ngezana and the depth in the Bafana squad.
"I think we have a lot of depth now in that centre-back position, also young players… Seeing Siya Ngezana doing well for himself and representing the country, playing at the highest level in the world," Hlatshwayo told journalists at the Honour X Bafana event.
"And then you look at the partnerships we've had during AFCON, seeing Mvala doing so well, being physical and everything, now Siya while Mvala is not there, it shows the depth we now have in the centre back position."
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With Mvala now recovered and Tapelo Xoki having recently returned to action for Orlando Pirates, Ngezana faces much stiffer competition for a place in the Bafana team. Hugo Broos also indicated towards calling up more younger players to the national tam and that will likely open the door for the likes of Thabiso Sesane.
Despite missing out due to a passport, Khulumani Ndamane is also expected to receive another call-up to the Bafana team.