Bafana Bafana international Siyabonga Ngezana became the talk of local football fans on social media when his club faced Manchester United in the Europa League.
Check it out!
Read: The VW Rides Of The Soweto Derby Stars
The story
Manchester United continued their Europa League dominance with a 2-0 win over Siyabonga Ngezana's FCSB in Bucharest on Thursday evening.
The victory secured United's place in the competition's last 16, keeping their unbeaten streak intact in the group stage and finishing third.
For Ngezana's FCSB, they slid down to 11th place — which will see the Romanian giants contesting in the playoffs for a place in the Round of 16.
Ngezana played the full 90 minutes, not only earning valuable experience against one of the biggest clubs in the world, but also putting a commendable display in what was a tough outing for his teammates.
The former Kaizer Chiefs defender was able to contain the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes up until the hour mark.
On Twitter/X, fans expressed their pride in seeing a South African on a major European stage and commended Ngezana for flying the flag high and for how far he's come in his career.
The 27-year-old quickly became a trending topic on X and was showered with praise and admiration. Take a look:
Siyabonga Ngezana???????? pic.twitter.com/ep43e4dVWi
— T.K. Phasha (@PhashaTshwene) January 30, 2025
The truth is, even if people can question his quality and say what they want, Siya Ngezana is the envy of many. And I hope he appreciates himself more because he has backed himself when many didn't. Many won't say it, but they wish they were in his place.
— A Dog That Bites (@SkepeMatsebane) January 30, 2025
I'm loving this performance so far from our boy Siyabonga Ngezana against Manchester United ??????
— Uwais Saeed (@13Uwais) January 30, 2025
Dominant in the Air,Calm on the ball and winning his Duels ??????
Top first Half !! ?????? pic.twitter.com/X5DjxWgWQ3
The story of Ngezana is a story of hope, indeed a prophet is not welcome in his own town. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/KPY2PBErQC
— DonThekiso???????? (@tshepothekiso10) January 30, 2025
We were there ????
— SkEbI-dO . (@KgasagoThapelo) January 31, 2025
Siyabonga Ngezana ! pic.twitter.com/SfaBtwANz6
Siyabonga Ngezana is a clear example that playing for Kaizer Chiefs comes with high pressure, this guy was forever ridiculed while at Amakhosi, look at him now. It's clear he's a good player, and he has always been a good player. Keep it up brother. pic.twitter.com/o8jFOILXzQ
— DeeNation® (@mcdeetsotetsi) January 31, 2025
Siyabonga Ngezana!!!! pic.twitter.com/Af2DUGbGPB
— Thulani Nombali (@ThulaniNombali) January 30, 2025
Siyabonga Ngezana has made it in life, and I'm happy for him ??. He's currently the best defender and foreign player for a fully packed FCSB stadium, playing against one of the biggest Clubs in Football history - Manchester United ????????
— Phindile (@Phindi_R) January 30, 2025
Wow! ???????????? Big moment for Siyabonga Ngezana! This is his chance to show what he's made of on the big stage, and he's seizing it with everything he's got! A well-deserved opportunity to shine, and he's making it count! ???? #ManUtd #FCSB #Ngezana #EuropaLeague" pic.twitter.com/0WI6LwqZzm
— TSS Sisonke Sporting (@TSS_Sisonke) January 30, 2025
Always a proud, albeit rare, moment to see a South African at this stage! ?? Shine, son of the land! Siyabonga Ngezana! ???????#EuropaLeague pic.twitter.com/RDVmSq8KGE
— Sandile Ndumo® (@sandilendumo1) January 30, 2025
A towering defender Siyabonga Ngezana stood tall last against Manchester United the only player from our country who participated in UEFA Champions League. Resilient and hard work pays off. pic.twitter.com/y3MYaq2sj2
— Andile Lungisa (@mrlungisa) January 31, 2025
Coach Arthur Zwane believed so much in Siyabonga Ngezana, I am sure he is proud to see him do it at the big stage.
— Timmy T Maranda (@TimmyT_maranda) January 30, 2025
Happy for Siya ??
Siyabonga Ngezana can be proud of his performance ????????#FCSBMUN #UEL
— Kenny ???? (@Llekamania_) January 30, 2025
Hojlund is getting pocketed by Siyabonga Ngezana
— K2 (@doyouknowkamo) January 30, 2025
Siyabonga Ngezana plays European football ??????
— Zolile (@shude_zolile) January 30, 2025
Siyabonga Ngezana may have lost against Manchester United last night, but I am extremely proud of him. He was always used as the scapegoat for Chiefs' losses, but he developed and gone on to play in Europe's second-biggest tournament, the Europa League. ?? ???? pic.twitter.com/a2hAtFV2Nm
— Paradigm Shift (@pshift846) January 31, 2025
Read | Magents: I Once Made Pitso Cry!
