CAPE Town City star midfielder Aubrey Ngoma says he is humbled by his nominations as Absa Premiership Player’s Player of the Season and Midfielder of the Season.
Ngoma (26), who is in camp with Bafana Bafana in Rustenburg preparing for their Cosafa Cup quarterfinal against the winner of Group A at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Sunday, will be vying with his club captain Lebohang Manyama and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Percy Tau for the coveted Player’s Player award.
He is up against Downs skipper Hlompho Kekana and Bidvest Wits star Thabang Monare for the Midfielder of the Season gong.
Ngoma has enjoyed a stellar season with the Citizens, helping them to third place in the Premiership in their first season and victory in the Telkom Knockout.
Said the talented winger: “I’m very humbled and honoured to be nominated along with other players who have had amazing seasons with their respective clubs. It shows if you put in the hard work you get the recognition. I’m looking forward to the event.
“It has been a very good season for me and the club, and I’m really happy to be among the nominees for the PSL awards.”
So impressive has Ngoma been this season that new Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter called him up for the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria in Uyo, where Bafana stunned the Super Eagles 2-0, as well as the friendly against Zambia at Moruleng Stadium earlier this month.
Ngoma made his debut in the 2-1 loss to Zambia and Baxter said he was looking to players such as the midfielder to play a key role in the Cosafa Cup.
Ngoma stressed he was honoured to be in the national squad and was determined to do his best to help Bafana retain their Cosafa Cup title.
Said Ngoma: “This is a big honour. I see my call-up as an opportunity, as there are many players to choose from.
“I see my selection as a privilege. I’m looking forward to the tournament.”
He believes Bafana will face some tough competition but is confident they will do well: “I think teams will be approaching us as hosts and defending champions.”
Ngoma believes Baxter’s young squad has potential: “It’s a very young squad. But the coach has selected a nice mixture in the team – it looks balanced.
“The coach said he was looking to bring in players who are Bafana material. He has selected boys who have done well for the SA Under-20 and SA U-23 sides. I think it’s a very good squad.
“If we succeed in doing what is required of us by the coach, I believe we stand a good chance.”