Former Bafana Bafana Defender Benson Mhlongo Criticizes Siyabonga Ngezana’s Performance After Recent 2025 AFCON Qualifiers in Uganda and South Sudan

Former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates defender Benson Mhlongo has recently weighed in on the performance of a national team player following a couple of intense 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

Bafana Bafana’s Recent Matches

Bafana Bafana kicked off their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign last Friday with a home match against Uganda at Orlando Stadium.

They followed this up with an away game against South Sudan at Juba Stadium on Tuesday.

Despite their efforts, Bafana Bafana struggled due to some costly defensive mistakes.

In their two matches, the team managed to secure four points but also conceded four goals.

They drew 2-2 with Uganda and then edged out South Sudan with a 3-2 victory, thanks in large part to Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha, who scored crucial late goals in both matches.

Mhlongo’s Critique of Siyabonga Ngezana

Mhlongo has now commented on Siyabonga Ngezana’s performance, calling for improvements.

Ngezana, who has been excelling with his Romanian club FCSB—winners of the league title last season and participants in the UEFA Europa League this season—faced challenges during the recent qualifiers.

In the 3-2 win over South Sudan, Ngezana’s foul led to a penalty in the first half, and he struggled defensively as South Sudan managed to equalize later in the game.

“He’s a talented player, but there’s room for improvement,” Mhlongo told FARPost.

“He’s doing well in Europe and facing tough challenges there, but national team football is a different ball game.

He needs to stay strong and perform as he does for his club.

He’s a good player, but he shouldn’t get complacent just because he’s playing abroad.

“I believe in his potential as a defender.

He needs to be more confident and composed.

In that game, he was exposed, and we need to avoid such issues in the national team.

It’s important for him to keep improving and not take his position for granted.”