Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AMAZULU striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya said he is gutted for being ruled out for the remainder of the 2025/26 season after suffering a severe ankle injury while on the South African Premiership club duty.
The injury has also dented his hopes of a return to international duties with the Warriors who are in Botswana this weekend for a Four Narions tournament.
Ngwenya, who joined AmaZulu from FC Platinum in July 2025, had established himself as a key figure for Usuthu, scoring six goals in 14 Betway Premiership appearances. His form earned him a call-up to the Zimbabwe squad for the March international window.
“This was supposed to be my year,” said Ngwenya.
“I was playing the best football of my career. The national team was calling. And then, in one moment, everything changes.”
The striker was forced to withdraw from the Warriors squad. He was subsequently omitted from the Warriors’ Four Nations Tournament squad in Botswana, alongside Knowledge Musona, Tawanda Maswanhise, and Prince Dube.
“I knew immediately. You know your body. You know when something is serious. I tried to push through, to stay positive. But when the scans came back, I was gutted. That’s the only word. Absolutely gutted.”
AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane had previously praised Ngwenya’s impact, describing the striker as more of a sniper and lauding his fighting spirit.
“The fighting spirit he showed, he never died on the field. He never gave up. He was pushing, he was pressing. So, I’m very impressed,” Zwane said in February.
Ngwenya said the support from both club and country has helped him cope with the disappointment but acknowledged that watching from the sidelines has been difficult. “The Warriors family has been incredible,” he said.
“ZIFA, the technical team, and my teammates have all reached out. But it’s hard. You train every day to be on that pitch.
“Not forgetting my lovely wife Tafadzwa Mabika who has been very supportive throughout this ordeal.
“You sacrifice everything. And then you have to sit and watch while your team plays without you. Every match feels like a missed opportunity.”
“I am trying to stay strong,” Ngwenya said.
“My family, my faith, they keep me going. But I won’t pretend it’s easy. This was going to be my breakthrough season. Now I have to wait. I have to heal. And I have to come back stronger. That’s the only option I have.”
