Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo has joined Belgian agency Lupus Sports, a move widely seen as a precursor to his exit from the club. The 26-year-old's contract at Naturena expires at the end of June next year, and he has found himself outside of coach Fernando Da Cruz's plans this season.
Ngcobo has made just one league appearance this term, a stark drop from his 129 total appearances for the club since his senior debut in 2019. He has registered eight goals and three assists in that time, with his most productive season coming in 2020/21 when he played 25 times. His lack of game time has made a move increasingly probable, with reports indicating he almost left during the last transfer window. The club has not yet opened talks over a new contract, further signalling the end of his tenure.
The Belgium-based agency, founded in 2018 and FIFA-licensed, confirmed the signing. "Welcome to the family, Mshini. We look forward to the journey ahead," Lupus said in a statement. The agency's client list includes several South African players such as Orlando Pirates' Kamogelo Sebelebele and Mamelodi Sundowns' Bathusi Aubaas. Lupus Sports has a track record of facilitating moves for players to European clubs, which is a likely path for Ngcobo given the agency's location and network.
This development comes as Kaizer Chiefs sit fifth in the Premier Soccer League, with 14 points from eight games. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with no wins in their last four matches, a run that includes a 1-0 loss to Red Arrows last week. The club's next fixture is a key away match against second-placed Orlando Pirates on 31 October, a game where midfield options will be under scrutiny. Coach Da Cruz has previously stated he is assessing all players as he builds for the future, a process that now clearly excludes Ngcobo.
With Ngcobo's future elsewhere, attention turns to other attacking midfield options in the squad like 20-year-old Mfundo Vilakazi and current top scorer Mduduzi Shabalala. The club is also monitoring the market for potential reinforcements in the January window. The club's full squad and upcoming fixtures are available as Da Cruz prepares his team for the Soweto Derby. Ngcobo will be expected to see out the remainder of his contract unless a transfer agreement is reached in January.
First reported at soccerladuma.co.za
