Since moving to Romania last year from Kaizer Chiefs, Siyabonga Ngezana has increased in value.
The 26-year-old made a surprise move to Romanian giants FCSB end of last season. Having been average for Amakhosi for the past two seasons, the lanky defender decided to leave South African shores. Upon arrival, the star struggled in his first few games and had to be dropped after creating mistakes in defence.
A month later, Ngezana found his footing and became one of the team’s reliable players, cementing his place in the first team. This past weekend, he won his first-ever league title with Romanian club FCSB in the Romanian SuperLiga.
Speaking after his impressive season, Ngezana said he had to adapt to the environment after leaving Kaizer Chiefs.
“First of all beginnings are not always easy, the culture and the language,“ he said as per IOL.
“I needed to adapt to the environment, the weather, so I needed to get familiar with the place, and the players, so it was not easy, it was not a walk in the park. I had to work hard and be dedicated.”
Former Kaizer Chiefs star Ngezana doesn’t come for cheap
The Bafana Bafana defender also admitted the standard of football is higher in Romania than in Africa. Having played in the CAF Champions League, Ngezana knows the competitiveness or lack of African leagues.
“In terms of standards I can say you come from Africa and obviously this side in Europe they are ahead, a bit ahead than us in terms of the level, it was a bit hard because I had to prove myself,” he added.
Ngezana is a Kaizer Chiefs academy product and has made over 100 appearances for the Soweto giants. His value has is increased since joining FCBS in July last year. The lanky defender was signed to an agreed fee of €600,000 (R12m).
Ngezana could leave FCSB for a bigger club?
About 10 months later, the Romanian giants have put a hefty price tag on their valuable South African defender. Last year in September, reports emerged that the Ligue 1 outfit FC Lorient was keen to sign ex-Kaizer Chiefs star Ngezana for €5 million (R104 million). Still, FCSB rejected the offer, insisting on selling Ngezana for no less than R145 million.
FCBS president Gigi Becali said Ngezana could be worth R1.6 billion if he improves his technique
If the Romanian giants qualify for the Champions League, the defender’s price could increase to R200 million. Having won his first-ever title, Ngezana could become one of the few Kaizer Chiefs players to have played in both the Caf and Uefa Champions League.