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Johannesburg - When Anele Ngcongca was first selected for Bafana Bafana last year, almost no one knew who he was. But now he has emerged as the national team's incumbent right-back.
Born in Gugulethu nearly 23 years ago, the defender has spent most of his professional career in Belgium where he turns out in the colours of Genk.
Since making his international debut in October 2009, Ngcongca has gone on to earn seven caps but, more importantly, since South Africa's 3-1 win over France at the World Cup, he has started on the right side of defence ahead of Siboniso Gaxa, who made the position his own for nearly two years.
"I had to wait for my chance and then grab it when it came along," Ngcongca told The Times.
Most pundits expect Ngcongca to retain his starting role ahead of Gaxa when Bafana take on Niger on Saturday night.
"There's always pressure to be at the top of your game. That is what keeps me focused. I need to be under pressure because if I am not, then I will relax and lose my spot," added Ngcongca.
His rival for the right-back role, Gaxa, will also be playing his club football in the Belgian league after making a R6milllion switch from Mamelodi Sundowns to Lierse.
Born in Gugulethu nearly 23 years ago, the defender has spent most of his professional career in Belgium where he turns out in the colours of Genk.
Since making his international debut in October 2009, Ngcongca has gone on to earn seven caps but, more importantly, since South Africa's 3-1 win over France at the World Cup, he has started on the right side of defence ahead of Siboniso Gaxa, who made the position his own for nearly two years.
"I had to wait for my chance and then grab it when it came along," Ngcongca told The Times.
Most pundits expect Ngcongca to retain his starting role ahead of Gaxa when Bafana take on Niger on Saturday night.
"There's always pressure to be at the top of your game. That is what keeps me focused. I need to be under pressure because if I am not, then I will relax and lose my spot," added Ngcongca.
His rival for the right-back role, Gaxa, will also be playing his club football in the Belgian league after making a R6milllion switch from Mamelodi Sundowns to Lierse.
