Former Orlando Pirates coach Augusto Palacios has opened up on the early days of Bafana Bafana defender Siyabonga Ngezana and revealed what he believes makes the centre-back special.
The former Kaizer Chiefs man recently lifted the league title (Super Liga) with Romania's FCBS in his very first season, and such was his importance that he was named in the league's Team of the Season.
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To top it all off, 'Sgugula' played a crucial role in Bafana Bafana's recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
What some may not know, though, is that the 26-year-old started his career at Pirates' development academy, under the hand of Palacios.
"He started as a striker, but once he went to the centre-back position, he adapted very quickly," 'Prof' opens up to KickOff.
"He had very good qualities and understood the opposition strikers very well because it's a position he could also play. I would say the only thing that needed some work was his marking.
"But he grasped everything very well because he was naturally competitive, he wanted to learn and improve.
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I am happy for Ngezana ???? pic.twitter.com/GNCVZxE14m
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"He has matured now and it's good to see him doing well abroad. I hope he keeps growing and goes to an even bigger league because he is capable.
"But the key is that he went at the right time. Some players go too soon and others want to go too late, but I think Ngezana went at the right time.
The Bafana defender is also linked with a move away from the Romania outfit, with reported interest from Lorient, Stade Brest and RC Lens in France.