Where is former Kaizer Chiefs striker Sthembiso Ngcobo?
Sthembiso Ngcobo earned the nickname “imoto etshontsha imali” after his heroics against Pirates in the 2010 TKO final.
Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Sthembiso Ngcobo may not have been the most prolific scorer, but he made his mark by netting important and memorable goals.
Known as ‘Mapholoba’, he started his career with AmaZulu, but it was his loan to Durban Stars that caught the attention of Free State Stars. Ngcobo impressed by scoring 19 goals in just 25 appearances for Durban Stars before Free State Stars came calling in 2007.
He enjoyed a solid stint at Ea Lla Koto, where he scored 15 times in 63 appearances. His strong performances at the club level earned him a call-up to the Bafana Bafana national team. In 2010, Sthembiso Ngcobo made the biggest move of his career by joining Kaizer Chiefs.
Although he faced challenges during his first four months at Naturena, Mapholoba was given a rare start in the final of the Telkom Knockout in December of that year against their rivals, Orlando Pirates. In that match, the KZN-born player shone brightly, scoring two goals as Amakhosi secured a 3-0 victory. His outstanding performance earned him the nickname “imoto etshontsha imali.” Unfortunately, after that final, he struggled to regain his form and made sporadic appearances over the next two years.
Pirates fans will never forget Sthembiso Ngcobo’s TKO final performance
In 2013, he joined AmaZulu on loan, and in 2014, he signed with Bidvest Wits. After a successful stint with Wits, Sthembiso Ngcobo returned to Free State Stars in 2015 before ultimately retiring a few years later.
Where is he now?
Since retiring, Mapholoba has pursued a career in coaching. According to Kick-Off, the former Chiefs star has acquired a CAF C license and has been involved with the ABC Motsepe side, Mkhumbane Classic FC. As a striker, Sthembiso Ngcobo was average but his Soweto Derby brace made him a forever fan-favourite at Chiefs.
How good was Ngcobo as a forward?
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