Nkosingiphile Ngcobo reflects on Kaizer Chiefs’ season ahead of Usuthu clash

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo insists there will be no room for complacency when Amakhosi face AmaZulu FC this afternoon, despite having already secured a return to continental football.

The Glamour Boys travel to Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium for their penultimate Betway Premiership clash of the 2025/26 season, comfortably perched in third place on the league standings.

Chiefs breached the 50-point milestone last weekend courtesy of a dramatic, late 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United. The match was a personal milestone for the 25-year-old playmaker, affectionately known as “Mshini,” who put on a commanding performance from start to finish.

Reflecting on his return to the starting line-up and playing the full 90 minutes, Ngcobo expressed satisfaction but remained characteristically self-critical.

Match Day!

🏆#BetwayPrem
⚽️AmaZulu FC vs. Kaizer Chiefs
👕First Team
🗓️Saturday 16 May 2026
🏟Moses Mabhida Stadium
🕞15h00
📺SuperSport 205
🎟R80, Ticketpro, PnP: https://t.co/NRVgSP2Vb5#Amakhosi4Life #KCOneVoice #KCOneFamily #LoveAndPeace pic.twitter.com/ApZxbvvPfo

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) May 16, 2026

“It wasn’t an easy game; it was tough, but we worked really hard to get the victory,” Ngcobo told the club’s media department.

“On a personal note, I feel like I had a decent game, and it was good to complete 90 minutes for the first time in a while, but there are aspects I want to improve on. Overall, I was quite happy, and we take it and move forward.”

The Arthur Zwane Factor

While Chiefs have already locked down third place and guaranteed their spot in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, Ngcobo warned that Usuthu will pose a massive threat—especially with a very familiar face in the opposition dugout.

AmaZulu are currently led by former Kaizer Chiefs head coach and club legend Arthur Zwane, adding an intriguing tactical narrative to the coastal showdown.

“We are doing our usual build-up, preparing our game plan with the coaches. We will have to work hard because it will not be an easy game,” Ngcobo cautioned.

“We know how dangerous AmaZulu can be with Coach Arthur [Zwane], so we are expecting a tough match, and we are ready to fight for the win.”

Turning the Corner at Chiefs

After several lean seasons of transitioning and missing out on continental football, securing a CAF ticket with two games to spare represents significant progress for the Naturena-based giants. However, the youth academy graduate understands that at a club of Chiefs’ stature, third place is merely a stepping stone.

“It’s a great feeling to know that we are going to play in a CAF competition again next season. It is something we wanted to achieve as a team, and we are happy to have done it,” said Ngcobo.

“I consider this to be a good season, not great, because at Kaizer Chiefs the expectations are higher. But after the last few years, I think we turned a corner and are heading in the right direction. We will take what we have learned and try to improve for next season.”