Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE international Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya hopes his seven-goal start to the season will earn him a Warriors recall for next month’s internationals.
The 23-year-old strengthened his claim by scoring both AmaZulu goals in Wednesday night’s 5-2 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld.
His goals in the 46th and 70th minutes took him clear at the top of the Betway Premiership scoring charts with five goals in four league matches and seven in five appearances across all competitions.
“I am hoping to get selected for the national team. That is always something I want as a player, to represent my country,” said Ngwenya.
“I just hope this time around I can stay fit and avoid injuries. Last time it was unfortunate because I wanted to be there and help the team, but the injury stopped me.”
AmaZulu suffered their first league defeat of the season but remained fourth on the standings.
Coach Arthur Zwane hailed the former FC Platinum striker’s form, but warned that AmaZulu cannot afford to rely on him alone for goals.
“There’s no doubt about it. Even last season, if you check, if he had not gotten the injury, I think he was going to help us big time,” said Zwane.
“Unfortunately, he missed about two and a half months of the season when we needed him the most. He was already on six goals, and he also had a lot of one-v-ones earlier on in the season where he did not take those chances.
“I even said to them last season, before he got injured, he could have easily been on 12, if not 14, already. And it’s good to see him scoring goals.”
Zwane wants AmaZulu’s other attacking players to share the responsibility.
“The only worrying factor is that it can’t be only him who scores for us. Others also have to take responsibility.
“You can’t rely on him because, should he get injured again, then we’re going to have a problem,” he said.
Ngwenya began struggling with cramps late in the match, leaving Zwane with a difficult decision because AmaZulu currently don’t have another forward who offers the same goalscoring threat.
“Towards the end of the game, he started cramping, and that was a worrying factor from our side,” said Zwane.
“Sometimes you want to take him out, but you look at who can give you goals, and we don’t have another prolific striker like him at the moment.”
Ngwenya is determined to carry his club form onto the international stage if he gets another opportunity with the Warriors.
“It’s my wish to also bring the club goalscoring form to the national team and see what happens,” he said.
