Celimpilo Ngema, once regarded as a rising star in South African football, has seen his career take an unfortunate turn after AmaZulu FC terminated his contract due to disciplinary issues. The 27-year-old midfielder, who was previously linked with a potential move to Kaizer Chiefs, reportedly arrived at a training session under the influence of alcohol, leading to his dismissal from the club.
Ngema joined AmaZulu in July 2023 following a standout stint at Marumo Gallants, where he played a pivotal role in their CAF Confederation Cup campaign and earned recognition as Player of the Year in the club’s internal awards. His move to AmaZulu was seen as a significant step forward, with many expecting him to become a key figure in the team’s midfield. However, his tenure at Usuthu has been marred by inconsistency and off-field issues.
This season, Ngema made 15 appearances for AmaZulu across all competitions, contributing one goal and no assists. Despite his potential, he struggled to maintain form and was notably absent from the squad for their last six league matches. His most recent involvement came as an unused substitute in February during AmaZulu’s victory over Cape Town City. Overall, Ngema’s time at AmaZulu saw him feature in 45 matches, scoring two goals and providing four assists—a modest return for someone once tipped for greatness.
Looking ahead, Ngema faces an uphill battle to revive his career. As a free agent, he has the opportunity to find a new club willing to give him another chance. However, he must address the underlying issues that led to his downfall. Commitment to personal discipline and professional conduct will be crucial if he hopes to fulfil the potential that once made him a sought-after talent.