KAA Gent faces a six-month absence without defensive regular Mouhamed Ngom, forcing head coach Rik De Mil into an urgent tactical reshuffle just as the club balances a strong start in the Jupiler Pro League and the UEFA Conference League league phase.
Cruciate Ligament Tear Halts Summer Signing
The summer signing sustained a torn cruciate ligament during the team’s final match before the international break against Standard Liège. The injury sidelines the defender until at least the winter transfer window.
Planet Group Arena Tests Squad Depth
Ngom’s injury halts a promising run for the recent arrival, who had quickly established himself as a fixture in the central defense. KAA Gent currently sits level with league leaders Union Saint-Gilloise after seven matches in the domestic competition while also securing qualification for the league phase of the UEFA Conference League. With Ngom ruled out, De Mil must rely on internal squad depth over the coming months. The team’s management is already evaluating options to reinforce the backline when the transfer market reopens.
South African International Emerges as Target
Transfer reports indicate that KAA Gent has identified potential reinforcements, with Mamelodi Sundowns central defender Malibongwe Khoza emerging as a primary candidate. The 22-year-old South African international has earned four caps for his national team and made 50 appearances for Mamelodi Sundowns since making his debut in the summer of 2024, scoring four goals during that span. Standing at 1.91 meters, the defender has attracted attention from several European suitors, including Austrian club SV Ried and French side FC Nantes. With an estimated market valuation of 850,000 euros on Transfermarkt, Khoza fits within the financial parameters of the Belgian club’s current budget.
Demanding Fixture List Tests Resilience
KAA Gent continues its domestic campaign following the international break while managing a demanding fixture list across both Belgian league play and European competition. The club has not yet announced a formal approach for any specific player, leaving internal rotation as the immediate solution ahead of the winter transfer window.
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