Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
ZIMBABWE international Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya continues to shine in front of goal despite reportedly receiving death threats following his challenge on Orlando Pirates midfielder Sihle Nduli.
The 23-year-old striker scored and provided an assist as AmaZulu secured a 2-0 victory over Siwelele at Kings Park on Saturday, taking his tally to five goals in four competitive matches this season.
Ngwenya set up the opening goal for Mlondi Mbanjwa in the 20th minute before finding the back of the net himself 12 minutes later, finishing clinically from a delivery by Nkosikhona Radebe.
The win maintained Usuthu’s unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership campaign and moved them into second place on the table, level on points with leaders Kaizer Chiefs.
After the match, AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane backed Ngwenya to develop into one of Zimbabwe’s greatest football exports.
“Thando is still young, but I want him to reach the level of the Musonas. I am his mentor and coach, and I will push him to reach that level. When he returns to Zimbabwe, I want him to eventually be regarded in the same way as the Musonas, Khama Billiat and Peter Ndlovu because he has the potential to reach that level.”
Ngwenya’s latest goal came just days after he converted a penalty in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against Orlando Pirates.
He reportedly became the target of threats after a heavy challenge on Nduli shortly after the restart resulted in the Pirates midfielder sustaining an injury.
Ngwenya declined to discuss the reported threats when approached.
“I don’t want to comment on the death threats,” he said.
The former FC Platinum forward had earlier apologised for the challenge, insisting that there had been no intention to injure Nduli.
His latest display also served as a strong response to Zwane’s criticism of his movement and work rate following the encounter with Orlando Pirates.
Ngwenya began the season by scoring the winner against Stellenbosch before netting twice in AmaZulu’s 4-3 extra-time MTN8 defeat to Sekhukhune United. He then converted from the penalty spot against Orlando Pirates before adding another goal against Siwelele.
He finished last season as AmaZulu’s leading scorer with eight goals in 20 appearances across all competitions despite missing several matches due to a foot injury.
Ngwenya will be aiming to extend his impressive scoring run in the club’s upcoming fixtures.
“My focus is to continue helping the club win, and score more goals,” he said.
