Ntshangase knock, knock, knocking on elite division's door

28 June 2015 - 02:00 By MAZOLA MOLEFE

Siphelele Ntshangase says he's a No10 - more deadly as a supporting striker than as a lone ranger upfront. At first, this all sounds like an off-the-cuff response to a question about his preferred position on the pitch, but a more detailed explanation reveals just why the Black Leopards talisman is perhaps the most sought-after transfer target by Premier League clubs ahead of the 2015-16 season.He listens to his instincts, shows an incredible reading of the game and models his style to that of strikers with contrasting reviews in world football in former Bayern Munich and now Fiorentina goal ace Mario Gomez as well as Real Madrid great Raul Gonzalez. It says a lot about Ntshangase - looking up to one clinical forward who isn't necessarily everyone's cup of tea, but gets the job done, and another whose ability has never been in question.In a country where the lack of goals has been an ongoing debate, Ntshangase seems the real deal, announcing himself with two well-taken strikes for Bafana Bafana in their 3-0 win over Mauritius in the first leg of the African Nations Championships (Chan) qualifier at Dobsonville Stadium last week.story_article_left1A third goal for the 22-year-old from Pongola in KwaZulu-Natal would have made him only the second player - after Benni McCarthy - in the history of the national team to score a hat-trick.He's gutted by that, by the way. "I am still trying to get over it because I tried so hard. But I am sure I will get more opportunities to play for Bafana and it will happen," he says.Ntshangase, voted man-of-the-match against Mauritius, could have easily bettered his afternoon double as Bafana overpowered their hapless opponents.But, more than anything, his positioning in the penalty area as well as his creative knack earned him an incredible amount of praise from the fans, pundits and national team head coach Shakes Mashaba.Ntshangase doesn't immediately give credit to any of his previous coaches, but suggests he improved his craft by watching the best off TV."I grew up playing in midfield and was always encouraged to be in the box. So I think I am a No10, but I believe I have proved that I can also deliver as a striker," says a man who is linked with a move to Mamelodi Sundowns and impressed in Leopards' failed attempt to win promotion to the Premier Soccer League during the play-offs this month.mini_story_image_vright1"When I approach the box I really have to be switched on because that is the most important area on the pitch for me. You have to keep calm. For example, you always know where to find Mario Gomez - in the box like a typical striker. You always wonder how he manages so many goals," he said."Another player is Raul, who, in my opinion, is a world-class finisher. That's what works for me. I try to take my time and not rush to score. I think South African strikers don't use their strength. They try to do too many things during a match. There's not much lacking. We just need to stick to the basics."Ntshangase is a raw talent who is unfortunately only emerging well into his 20s and could do with a move away from the National First Division (NFD) side to grow as a player."I tried my luck at Thanda Royal Zulu but was told I was not good enough until Kosta Papic gave me a chance in 2013. I could have been a Sundowns player, maybe, because I was invited back after trials in 2011 but there was no follow-up after I finished my matric," he said."I owe a lot to Leopards even though my aim was to play in the NFD for one season. I know my potential and if I find myself in the NFD next season, I wouldn't be happy. It just probably means I would have to work harder."sports@timesmedia.co.za..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.