Kagiso Dan Tolly Ngoetjana

Our feature athlete and Mens national team player Kagiso Ngoetjana or more commonly known as “Chief” (and for good reason). I had the pleasure of first meeting Chief in 2016 just before the Duzi Royals were suspended from the BNL. The impact he could have on a game was seen and felt immediately! But as dangerous as he is inside the paint he is as much a good guy off the court always happy and dressed for the occasion. While being arguably the best rebounder and inside threat in SA he also has a mid range jumper that he can probably make blind folded. With massive amounts of respect given to him both on and off the court Chief is a force to be reckoned with and a proud representative of the green and gold.

I got in touch with Chief earlier this week to find out about his national team service

Full name

Kagiso Dan Tolly Ngoetjana

Age

30

Years played on national team

2008- present

Games played on national team

+-50

Best player you’ve played against at national level

Olímpio Cipriano

Your favourite/standout game at national level

In 2010 while being a rookie and youngest guy on the team. We had the countries greats such as Neo Mothiba, Fumani Marhanele, etc.

During the semi finals of the Afrobasket Qualifiers we were down about 10 points against Zambia. As a kid staying in the moment and staying ready coach Flosh Ngwenya called my name... I checked into the game with so much fire and rage which all transferred to my team mates and we ended up wining the game.

After the game I got the approval of my seniors... and THAT is my favourite national team story.

A message to the kids

Trust god, stay positive, work hard and eventually you’ll see the results, and those results will become addictive.

Stay humble and stay hungry!