JOHANNESBURG – Kaizer Chiefs star Nkosingiphile Ngcobo has made reflections on his experience with the South AfricaUnder-20 team at the recent COSAFA U-20 Championship. The Amajita were crowned champions after beating Lesotho 2-1 in the final on Saturday, this after Thabo Senong’s charges went unbeaten in the competition hosted in Zambia.
Ngcobo, who was captain of the team through the group stages and in the semi final before missing the final due to a concussion, has welcomed the leadership experience he gained. “It was a great experience and an honour to lead South Africa. Being a captain comes with responsibility,” Ngcobo commented on the club’s website.
“For example, if the team is down, you have to pick the guys up. I raised my game, so that everybody had to follow my example.” He added.
Ngcobo, 18 years old, who scored in the group stage win over Egypt, also pointed out a few lessons learnt as the team builds towards the AFCON and World Cup finals to take place in 2019. He added: “The matches against Egypt and Mauritius were the hardest, especially the first game, in the group stage, against Egypt was tough.”
“I learnt a lot. We love to build up from the back. That’s good, but we also need to look earlier for that pass forward, playing more direct football. That’s how you win games.” Said Ngcobo.
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