Middendorp rules out Ngezana move to Sundowns

Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has rubbished reports linking Siyabonga Ngezana with Mamelodi Sundowns, instead stating that the young defender had a big future at Naturena.

It has been speculated in recent weeks that the 22-year-old may move to Chloorkop following a lack of game time with Amakhosi this season.

The young centre-half burst onto the scene in 2017/18 but has only played six times this term, the last of which was against Maritzburg United in the final match of 2019.

However, Middendorp says Ngezana, who also helped South Africa qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games last year, is going nowhere.

Ngezana played 27 Absa Premiership matches for Chiefs in his first two seasons at the top level, having initially being part of their MultiChoice Diski Challenge set-up, but as mentioned by his coach, he has to be patient in terms of opportunity.

Another player that has not played too much this term is Kgotso Moleko, with Middendorp conceding, however, that the 30-year-old was also still pretty much part of his plans.

The full-back made his sixth appearance of 2019/20 against Lamontville Golden Arrows over the weekend but was substituted at half time in Durban. Middendorp defended the player, praising his versatility.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs coach provided an update on the status of one of his star attackers, Khama Billiat, who has been missing from the first team since the turn of the year.

Like Ngezana, the last of the Zimbabwean’s 10 appearances this year was against Maritzburg on December 22.

Middendorp expects Billiat to return from his hamstring injury this week ahead of being possibly available for their next match, which is against Royal Eagles in the Nedbank Cup on February 8.

With just a few days now before the January transfer window shuts, the Amakhosi boss has also confirmed that there were no plans to make any new signings for the second half of the term.

The Soweto side have already signed Kenya international midfielder Anthony Akumu from Zambian club Zesco United on a three-and-half year deal.

His arrival coincides with the departures of Kabelo Mahlasela on loan to Polokwane City and Lorenzo Gordinho to Bidvest Wits. Ghana midfielder James Kotei has had his contract terminated. Middendorp says he is satisfied with his squad.

– Report by Thahir Asmal