Nkosingiphile Ngcobo of Kaizer Chiefs challenged by Khaya Mfecane of Chippa United during the Betway Premiership 2025/26 match between Chippa United and Kaizer Chiefs at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on the 03 November 2025 .
Image: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo says Kaizer Chiefs are determined to finish the season strongly ahead of Saturday’s Betway Premiership clash against AmaZulu FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Chiefs head into the encounter full of confidence after edging Sekhukhune United last weekend through two late goals — a result that pushed Amakhosi beyond the 50-point mark and confirmed their return to CAF competition next season. Ngcobo was one of Chiefs’ standout performers in that victory, producing an energetic display in midfield while completing 90 minutes for the first time in several weeks.
“It wasn’t an easy game. It was tough but we worked really hard to get the victory,” Ngcobo told the club’s official website. The 25-year-old admitted there are still areas of his game he wants to improve despite being pleased with his contribution.
“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.”
Amakhosi have already secured third place on the table, but Ngcobo insists standards within the camp remain high heading into the final two matches of the campaign.
“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,” he said. “We know how dangerous AmaZulu can be with Coach Arthur so we are expecting a tough match and we are ready to fight for the win.”
Chiefs have endured several difficult seasons in recent years, making qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup an important step in what the club hopes is a return to competing consistently at the highest level. For Ngcobo, the opportunity to play continental football again represents both excitement and responsibility for the squad.
“It’s a great feeling to know that we are going to play in CAF competition again next season. It is something we wanted to achieve as a team and we are happy to have done it with two games to spare. I am excited for it. It will be difficult but we will benefit from the experience,” he added.
The midfielder also gave an honest assessment of Chiefs’ overall campaign, describing it as progress rather than complete success considering the expectations attached to the club. “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.”
While Chiefs are guaranteed third place, AmaZulu appear destined to finish fourth regardless of Saturday’s outcome. That reality has left Usuthu coach Arthur Zwane frustrated despite overseeing a major improvement at the Durban-based side this season. The former Chiefs mentor admitted he wanted his players to remain in contention for third position heading into the closing stages of the campaign.
“These guys have done wonders, that’s why I’m frustrated,” Zwane told journalists during the club’s media open day on Wednesday. “I feel they deserve better. It would have been interesting to go into this game we are going to play this weekend, fighting for position three. It would have been something to fight for.”