Ngele ready to challenge for a first-team slot at Sundowns

Mogakolodi Ngele is itching to get back to action and help Mamelodi Sundowns rediscover their trophy-winning edge. After all, the Botswana international is some kind of a trophy-magnet.

Loaned to Bidvest Wits last season, Ngele was part of the Clever Boys' squad that won both the MTN8 and the Premiership.

Before he joined the Brazilians, the player nicknamed "Tsotso" was a key member of the Platinum Stars team that won the MTN 8 and Telkom Knockout back in 2014 - both at the expense of Orlando Pirates.

Ngele starred in the Telkom success as he scored twice in the final played at Mbembela Stadium. It was partly due to that showing that Ngele was lured to Chloorkop as Sundowns looked to add his potency to their already-powerful attack.

Ngele though has not fired as was expected and the loan to Wits did not come as a surprise. He has since returned to the Brazilians, and having recovered from an injury and sorted out his work permit issues he is back on the field, albeit with the reserve side.

He played 60 minutes for Sundowns in their MultiChoice Diski Challenge clash with neighbours SuperSport United in KZN at the weekend, a match that ended in a 3-0 thumping. Ngele spoke of his desire to return to the senior team.

“The most important thing is to win as a team, especially when you contribute, not watching from the stand. You must also contribute in the success of the team. There’s always competition everywhere. All I need to do is work hard,” he said.

There have been murmurings of him possibly moving to Pirates, but Ngele refused to discuss that.

“No comment,” he said “I am still left with one year plus an option to extend with Sundowns. For me what is more important is to play. If I’m not playing there’s no use for me to stay. I have to find a place somewhere I can play. Let us wait and see. My focus is still here at Sundowns."

He is just pleased to have sorted his work permit issues.

”I have been waiting for my work permit, now it is sorted and I have to find a way in to the team. It has been difficult because I have been out of action for four months.”

To return to the starting line-up, Ngele will have to compete with the likes of Sibusiso Vilakazi, Thokozani Sekotlong and Themba Zwane.

"It was the coach’s (Pitso Mosimane) instruction for me to play 60 minutes (at the MDC Festival). I’m tired now. I was also cramping but I will get there as time goes on.” Ngele said.