Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Siyabonga Ngezana has revealed two players who shaped his career as he embarks on a new journey in Europe.
Siyabonga Ngezana was recently unveiled by 26-time Romanian champions Steaua Bucharest [FCSB] as their latest signing.
He has already joined his new side for pre-season in the Netherlands after penning a five-year contract for a reported fee of R12-million move.
The 25-year-old parted ways with after spending seven years at the club, making 123 appearances for the Soweto giants before moving on.
In an interview with FCSB TV, Ngezana said he was inspired by his ex-teammate in Erick Mathoho and Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos.
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“There are a lot of players [I looked up to], but I will choose in my position, my all-time role model is Sergio Ramos,” said Ngezana.
“In South Africa it was Eric Mathoho, yes, Mulomowandau, I played alongside him at Kaizer Chiefs.”
Mathoho featured in 267 games for Chiefs, scoring 22 goals in 11 seasons. He won several trophies, including the league title more than once. He was represented when Amakhosi reached the CAF Champions League final, winning the silver medal in 2021
In addition, Siyabonga Ngezana admitted that he was surprised by the offers he received from overseas teams. The SA junior international went to explain why he chose FCSB, while opening up the interest from other European teams.
“It caught me as a surprise,” he added. “I was happy, I told my family that there is an interest from the team from Romania. We followed the history of the team, I discussed the deal with my agent, and I said yes, why not.”
“I had some offers, one from FK Sheriff Tiraspol, but we ended up signing with Bucarest, and I think this is the best decision that I took.
“It’s a big team in Romania; it plays in a highly competitive league, it plays in the Europa Conference League. That’s the reason why I took this decision,” concluded Ngezana.
The Chiefs academy product will wear jersey number 30 at his new club and compete in Europe’s third-tier UEFA competition, the Conference League.