Kaizer Chiefs loanee Xolani Cossa says his loan spells at Botswana’s Black Lions FC and Gomora United have forged him like steel in fire, as he continues to chase his dream of representing Amakhosi in the Betway Premiership.

The 22-year-old left-footed centre-back spent last season in the Botswana Premier League with Black Lions FC, where he captained the side and accumulated valuable senior experience and leadership responsibility.

His impressive displays in Botswana convinced Chiefs to retain him on their books, albeit on loan again, a clear indication the club still has future plans for him.

Cossa was loaned to Gomora United for the ongoing 2026/27 Motsepe Foundation Championship season. Although he had hoped to remain at Amakhosi for the Betway Premiership campaign, he has not let the disappointment of another loan move derail his ambition.

‘I HAVE LEARNT A LOT ABOUT PLAYING AT A HIGHER STAGE’ – KAIZER CHIEFS LOANEE XOLANI COSSA

Speaking to FARPost in an interview, the defender said the two loan moves have been crucial for his development.

“It has forged me like steel in fire; I have learnt a lot about how to play at a higher stage, like at CAF level. I’ve learnt how to manage myself in that position [centre-back], how to play out from the back. And how to build something for the future.

“Coming to Gomora has given me an opportunity to test my knowledge of the moments of the game and how to read the game. You must be fit at this level. I’m nearly adjusting to that fitness level, and I think I’m doing well. I’ve learnt a lot under the coach [Patrick Phungwayo] on how to become the best defender in this country. It’s like I am being forged like steel in fire,” Cossa told FARPost.

Cossa added that his mentality has changed after the loan stint in Botswana and the current one at Gomora.

He declared: “It has prepared me mentally for the higher stage, and how to behave in a professional setup. You get to know a lot of players from outside the country.

“It has set my mind to be challenged outside the world. I think I’ve got the exposure I needed because a lot of teams were interested in me from that side. Now I get to face big players from that side and learn something from them. It’s very nice; it’s very competitive.”