FCSB Coach: ‘Ngezana Only Played For South Africa Because…’

FCSB interim coach Lucian Filip has reportedly claimed that Siyabonga Ngezana only made the South Africa squad because he played for the Romanian side.

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Siyabonga Ngezana's injury-ravaged season has gone from bad to worse after he was reportedly left out of South Africa's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to Romanian publication Golazo, FCSB's interim coach Lucian Filip has reportedly confirmed his absence and spoken about the player's situation at the club.

"It's clear he's disappointed, but that's life, football doesn't end there," Filip said of Ngezana.

The 35-year-old also implied that Ngezana was only in national team contention after playing for the Romanian outfit.

"In the end, he has to respect his club. Thanks to the club, he was in the national team's attention. I hope he will be present at the next World Cup," Filip added.

The 2025/26 season has been one to forget for the former Kaizer Chiefs star. Ngezana's campaign was interrupted by the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and upon his return, he was diagnosed with a meniscus injury.

Ngezana refused surgery to repair it and was sidelined for three months, only playing 12 minutes for the club since December.

FCSB President of the administrative board, Mihai Stoica, revealed earlier this year that Ngezana's World Cup hopes were dented when he opted not to do surgery.

"If you ask me, his presence at the World Cup is totally compromised," Stoica revealed. "He won't be able to play. I explained it very clearly. The medical staff explained it to him, and not only that. We, and my colleagues, all explained it to him, but he believes he will play," Stoica added.

"It's a unique case since I've been in football. I explained to him that he's of a certain age, he's never been injured, it's normal for him to be held back, but he has no chance. What can I do?"

Ngezana's absence will also impact his side. Each club receives a fee for every player that goes to the World Cup, and the club will now miss out.

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"The money from the World Cup is Gigi's last problem, because he loses €200,000 (R3.8 million) because Ngezana doesn't go to the World Cup. It was about him being healthy so he could play for us," Stoica added.