After spending a frustrating time on the sidelines through injury, the multi-talented Mngomeni is back in the forefront as Engen Santos launch a late challenge for the Absa Premiership title.

On Friday night, Mngomeni will again look to pull a rabbit out of his box of football tricks to inspire Engen Santos to victory over Jomo Cosmos at Athlone Stadium.

Kick off is at 8pm.

Last week in a 4-0 hammering of Black Leopards (also at Athlone), in his first start since returning from injury, Mngomeni opened the scoring with a sweetly struck free-kick. He then went on to perform with panache and aplomb as Engen Santos completely annihilated a hapless Leopards team.

Mngomeni, though, is taking nothing for granted. He’s looking forward to Friday’s encounter, but knows what Cosmos are capable of.

“Cosmos are always tough to face,” said Mngomeni. “They may be battling at the bottom of the table, but they are the type of team that can turn it on when they want to. We’ll have to be careful in our approach.

“A win is important for both teams. They want the points to move away from relegation… we need the points to strengthen our challenge for the title.”

Mngomeni, born in Gugulethu on the Cape Flats, and younger brother of former Bafana Bafana captain Thabo Mngomeni, played for Rygersdal and Santos Juniors before stepping up to the Engen Santos senior side. He was signed by SuperSport United and then had a spell in Sweden playing for Helsingborg, a club coached by former Bafana coach Stuart Baxter.

On his return to South Africa, 25-year-old Mngomeni played for Bush Bucks before coming back to Engen Santos. He’s settled in again… and is a vital cog in the drive for the Premiership title.

So how has the team managed its amazing turnaround?

“I think we’ve applied ourselves so much better in the second half of the season,” said Mngomeni. “I think our physical preparation has been better and the guys are much fitter now. This has assisted in making us mentally tougher as well.

“I think if we maintain our consistency towards the end of the season, we can clinch the title… nothing is impossible.”