Nkosingiphile Ngcobo says he is determined to become a permanent fixture in Fernando Da Cruz’s Kaizer Chiefs side as Amakhosi close out their pre-season with the Toyota Cup clash against Scottland FC on Sunday.
The 24-year-old midfielder, known to fans as “Mshini”, is viewing the coming campaign as a turning point in his Chiefs career after a stop-start spell under the previous technical team, when frequent midfield changes restricted his appearances.
Now, with Da Cruz preparing for his first full season in charge, Ngcobo believes he has a genuine chance to secure a regular place in the starting line-up.
“I am feeling good and looking forward to the new season,” he said after returning from the club’s pre-season tour of Spain.
“My aim is always to try harder, do the right things and put all of my energy into the game, so I am eager to perform at my highest level this season.”
Testing pre-season in Spain
Kaizer Chiefs have just completed an intensive training camp in Spain as part of their build-up to the 2026/27 campaign, working in demanding conditions and facing three international opponents in friendly matches.
Ngcobo described the camp as both physically and mentally challenging, but believes the work done in Europe will benefit the squad once competitive action begins.
“The training camp went very well. Personally, I found it to be quite testing, a good challenge. I fought to become a better player, a better person,” he explained.
“Also, as a team, it was a great experience. We all got a lot out of the camp, which we will take into the new campaign.”
The trip formed a key part of Da Cruz’s preparations, offering him extended time on the training pitch with his players and a chance to assess his options across the squad, including in the creative midfield role Ngcobo is aiming to make his own.
Toyota Cup audition against familiar faces
Chiefs’ final warm-up before the new Betway Premiership season comes in the Toyota Cup meeting with Zimbabwean side Scottland FC, a team featuring two former Amakhosi favourites, Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat.
Although the fixture is officially part of pre-season, Ngcobo is expecting it to be a demanding test rather than a gentle run-out.
“We know the Toyota Cup is a pre-season event but it’s not an easy game. It’s going to be difficult but we are excited to get out there and play,” he said.
“I’ll be happy to meet Knowledge and Khama in the game. We are ready and it should be a good spectacle for the crowd.”
For Ngcobo and several of his team-mates, the match represents a high-profile opportunity to impress the new coach and strengthen their cases for selection when the Betway Premiership campaign begins.
Call for fans’ backing
Ngcobo also used the build-up to the Toyota Cup to appeal directly to Kaizer Chiefs supporters, urging them to return in numbers as the club seeks a fresh start under Da Cruz.
“To all of our football-loving fans, come to the stadium to watch Amakhosi. We have missed you like you have missed us,” he said.
“We are back in action and ready to push for success.”
With Da Cruz shaping his squad and system ahead of his first full season at the helm, Sunday’s encounter is set to provide further clues about his preferred line-up – and whether Ngcobo’s push for a regular starting role is gaining momentum.
