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Siyabonga Ngezana, Bafana Bafana, September 2024

Booth picks three stars as Ngezana's alternatives for World Cup

The South African legend has identified the three players he believes should replace the talented centre-back if he fails to recover in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the former Kaizer Chiefs defender struggling for fitness following a series of injury setbacks in Romania, North America might come too soon for the 28-year-old.

Bafana star Ngezana celebrates return - 'Rule number two, never back down'

The 28-year-old is refusing to let his World Cup dream die, with the FCSB defender making a defiant return to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The former Kaizer Chiefs man has sent a clear message to Bafana Bafana boss as the race for a plane ticket to North America enters its final stretch.

FCSB reveals Ngezana 'refuses to have surgery,' ex-Chiefs defender urged to 'to tell the truth' if he has Broos promises

The 28-year-old centre-back recently returned to competitive action after being sidelined since January due to fitness issues. His club has now provided an update on his situation and has also addressed growing transfer speculation.

Ex-Sundowns coach raises 'serious questions' about Bafana's defence ahead of World Cup

Although the Premier Soccer League title race between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates is at the centre of the spotlight, Bafana Bafana's World Cup preparations and performance will steal the show once the season ends. First, Hugo Broos will name his squad, and as usual, his selection will generate a different debate as his choices will be greatly discussed.

Ngezana's season takes another twist as FCSB part ways with coach

The Red and Blues announced the departure of their Cypriot manager, Elias Charalambous, who leaves after a highly successful stint at the Romanian giants that coincided with the arrival of the former Kaizer Chiefs defender. But now, with the current champions finishing seventh on the Superliga table and dropping into the relegation round of the split table and Ngezana struggling to recover from injury, the 28-year-old faces an uncertain future.

Ngezana injury saga drags on - 'What do we do, tie him to the bed?'

The former Amakhosi centre-back is in a race against time to recover from a knee injury and be fit for the global football tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Failure to recover fully would force South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos to rethink his defensive plans ahead of the global showpiece. It would mean searching for a replacement for the player he trusted during the 2025 AFCON finals.

Should Broos search for Bafana WC alternatives? Worrisome news on ex-Chiefs defender Ngezana

The former Amakhosi centre-back is in a race against time to be fit for the global football tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Failure to recover fully could force South Africa’s coach to rethink his defensive plans ahead of the global showpiece. It would mean searching for a replacement for the player he trusted during the 2025 AFCON finals.

Hugo Broos and Helman Mkhalele, Bafana Bafana

'Potentially out of WC! Bafana suffer massive blow as key centre-back undergoes knee surgery

South Africa are among the teams that will compete in the global competition scheduled for June. Mzansi will represent the continent alongside eight other nations that secured an automatic spot for the tournament. However, the Belgian tactician might have to do without one of his stars, who has suffered a nasty injury.

Broos breaks silence on why he dropped key Bafana players for Cameroon clash as 'some are not happy'

In an attempt to ensure that South Africa remain in Morocco, the Belgian came up with what looked like a strange matchday plan, and also his team formation was not what he used to deploy. He made four changes to the squad that faced Cameroon and got eliminated. In the end, the strategy failed as Bafana saw their journey come to an end and the Indomitable Lions progressed to the last eight.

Bafana's Foster delivers a touch of Premier League class, while Appollis announces authority in AFCON victory

South Africa kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard‑fought 2-1 victory over the Palancas Negras in their Group B opener on Monday, December 22. The contest at Stade de Marrakech was fiercely competitive, marked by physical battles and determined challenges, as both sides sought to impose themselves and set the tone for the journey ahead in the tournament.

Ligue 1-linked Ngezana: 'I don't know if I will be at FCSB after AFCON'

The defender has been excellent since his move to the Romanian heavyweights two seasons ago, winning the top tier and other domestic cups. The South Africa international has also been competing with the best in Europe, as his exploits continue to attract suitors who want to acquire his services to bolster their squads.

Massive Bafana's AFCON boost as Ngezana recovers to score in FCSB's crucial Europa League win

The 28-year-old former Kaizer Chiefs defender played a crucial role in helping the Red and Blues claim maximum points in a seven-goal thriller staged at the National Arena in Bucharest. The Romanian heavyweights started the campaign on a low note but are seemingly getting it right in the crucial stage of Europe's second-tier competition.

Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana, November 2025

Bafana face potential AFCON blow as club confirm defender's knee injury

The South African senior national team under coach Hugo is preparing for the biennial competition that is scheduled to start from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco. Having finished third in the 2023 edition, football lovers in Mzansi hope their team can go all the way to win their second continental crown but will be concerned over the fitness of the 28-year-old defender.

Bankers and wildcards: Bafana's foreign brigade vying for AFCON & WC spots

Coach Hugo Broos is turning this team into an African powerhouse, mostly using a group of close-knit players plying their trade in the Premier Soccer League. However, the Belgian boss will need to start integrating a handful of superstars based abroad if he wants to squeeze the maximum amount of juice out of this talented, improving squad.

Ranked! Bafana's Top 10 most expensive players

South Africa has a wealth of talent, with each player boasting their own blend of abilities. Some are fast, or technically gifted, or have a creative vision that can split a defence apart. Others are more athletic and can put in a crunching tackle or two. No matter what their skillsets are, there is one thing they all have in common: the price a football club is willing to pay for their services.

Hugo Broos of South Africa, Adel Amrouche of Rwanda, Eric Chelle of Nigeria and Gernot Rohr of Benin 16-9

Bafana’s WCQ gamble: Beat Rwanda & pray Nigeria saves the dream

South Africa were cruising. Now they’re clinging. A belated points deduction and a goalless draw with Zimbabwe have left Bafana Bafana needing a win over Rwanda in Mbombela and a result from Nigeria against Benin to keep their World Cup dream alive. It’s the final Group C game and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

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Frequently asked questions

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: The Arsenal man is 1.88m (6ft 2in) tall, and is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world at the moment.
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