JOHANNESBURG - Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphelele Ntshangase is hoping to claim a permanent spot in the team starting on Saturday when the Soweto Giants tackle Free State Stars in the Nedbank Cup semifinal at the Moses Mabhida Stadium (start at 8.15pm).
The midfielder hasn’t started in many games since becoming a Glamour Boy in January, but he’s not worried. “It’s all about the team,” said Ntshangase.
The 24-year-old joined Amakhosi from Baroka FC, where he was a regular starter. However, since then, he has only started in two matches wearing the Gold and Black jersey.
Coach Steve Komphela indicated after Sunday’s victory over Platinum Stars, in which Ntshangase came on, that he knows the qualities of the midfielder and that it will only be a matter of time before he will make the starting lineup.
The Pongola-born player points out that he’s working hard at training, fighting for a place in the team. “I have to be ready whenever I am asked to play.”
Chiefs have faced Free State Stars twice already in the league this season, playing to a one-all draw at home, while recently winning 1-0 on the road. Bernard Parker netted in the first game, Teenage Hadebe scored the winner in Bethlehem.
Ntshangase admits that it has taken time to settle at Chiefs, but he’s more than ready for the semifinal against Stars.
“We haven’t won a trophy for two seasons. We definitely want to reach the final, which will give us an opportunity to win something.”
When asked about what are the possibilities to play a part in the cup clash the creative midfielder said: “If I get a chance, I will grab it with both hands.”