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South African Defender Earns Top Honors in Romanian Top Flight

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Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund Højlund battles with Siyabonga Ngezana during the FCSB v Manchester United FC UEFA Europa League match
Every Second Media / Alamy Banque D'Images

Siyabonga Ngezana has excelled for FCSB in the 2024-2025 Romanian SuperLiga. His stellar play earned Team of the Week honors. Ngezana moved from Kaizer Chiefs to FCSB in July 2023. The transfer fee was €600,000. He has played 37 matches this season. These include domestic and European games.

Siyabonga Ngezana featured in nine UEFA Europa League matches. He averaged 78 minutes per game. His stats include 18 tackles. In addition, he recovered 53 balls. Passing accuracy reached 83.34%. FCSB lost 4-0 to Olympique Lyon in the Round of 16. Ngezana received only two yellow cards. His top speed hit 30.14 km/h. He covered 9.02 km per match.

Ngezana’s success inspires South African players like Gift Links, who plays for AGF Aarhus in Denmark. Links moved to Europe in 2019. Currently, some transfer rumors also circulate his name. His presence in the Danish Superliga shows the appeal of South African talent. Ngezana’s 2023-2024 league title motivates PSL players. They seek European opportunities.

In the SuperLiga, Ngezana shone against Universitatea Craiova. The match ended 0-0. His clean sheet drew praise. Six play-off games remain. Meanwhile, FCSB targets another title. Ngezana’s 37 appearances highlight his value. His market value is €2.2 million, per Transfermarkt. Birmingham City and Lecce FC show interest.

A muscle tear sidelined Ngezana earlier, and he missed a month of action. The Dinamo Bucharest derby was one absence. However, Ngezana returned strongly. His contract lasts until June 2027, and it includes a two-year extension option. FCSB owner Gigi Becali values him highly. Becali estimates a €70 million transfer fee.

Ngezana won Defender of the Season in 2024. Moreover, he also earned Best Foreign Player honors. The Romanian Super Cup was his. His performances revived his Bafana Bafana career. X posts praise for his Team of the Week nod. Fans love his cowboy-inspired outfits. His style stands out off-field.

In fact, Ngezana’s impact goes beyond football. He boosts South African football globally. His success, alongside Links, promises a bright future. European clubs scout PSL talent more. Ngezana’s journey inspires young players. He hails from Sebokeng, now shines in Bucharest. His leadership aids FCSB in the play-offs.

Ngezana may attract bigger clubs soon. However, his current focus is on FCSB’s title chase. More importantly, his story highlights South Africa’s potential. It goes without saying that the defender elevates the nation’s football reputation.