Ngezana gets back on the pitch

Siyabonga Ngezana played for the first time since late January when he came on as a substitute on Monday for his Romanian side Steaua Bucharest, as they bid for a place in European club competition next season.

It is a boost for his hopes of playing for South Africa at the World Cup finals after he missed the two March warm-up friendlies against Panama because of injury.

Ngezana last played for FCSB when they drew 1-1 at home against Turkish giants Fenerbahçe in late January but has struggled with a knee injury, although did sit on the bench for three matches.

On Monday he came on for the last 12 minutes of a 3-2 away win over Farul Constantia.

The result keeps FCSB at the top of the relegation group standings in the Romanian league and in line for a possible place in next season’s Europa Conference League.

After the end of the 30-match regular season programme, the top six in the Romanian league have to go into a playoff to decide the title.

FCSB finished in seventh place and so missed out on the championship playoffs but head the relegation playoff table, where, if they finish top, they will go into a play-off for a place in European club competition next season.

FCSB won the last two Romanian championships, with Ngezana a regular for both seasons, and were in the Champions League this season before dropping down to the Europa League, but the 2025-26 season has proven a disappointment for Ngezana and his teammates.