Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE international Thandolwenkosi is positioning himself for the Betway Premier Soccer League Golden Boot race after taking his tally to six goals with a brace in the South African top-flight league at the weekend.
The 23-year-old was fairylike in a late second-half cameo that completely changed the complexion of the game, as AmaZulu rallied back to a 3-2 win over TS Galaxy at Moses Mabhida.
Ngwenya also provided an assist and walked away with the Man of the Match award despite being introduced in the game with about 22 minutes remaining on the clock.
With six goals in the bag midway through the campaign, Ngwenya has now scored one goal less than the league’s leading scorer, Sede Junior Dion of Golden Arrows.
Ngwenya is equal on six goals with Bradley Grobler of Sekhukhune United and Iqraam Rayners of Mamelodi Sun-downs, wit 16 matches played.
He has somehow managed to keep the pace despite missing three games between October and November due to an ankle injury.
The former FC Platinum forward, appears to have continued with the form that he demonstrated when he was snapped up by the Durban-based last July after scoring seven goals midway in the Zimbabwean Premiership and then impressing scouts at the COSAFA Cup.
A section of Zimbabwean football supporters felt he should have been included in the 2025 AFCON squad but Warriors coach Marian “Mario” Marinica felt he did not want to take chances with players that were not fully fit.
But the forward took the stage on Sunday to remind of his quality when he struck the match-winner two minutes into added time after connecting with a low cross to beat Ivorian goalkeeper Eliezer Tape at his near post.
Earlier on, fellow Zimbabwean Junior Zindoga and Victor Letsoalo had scored for Galaxy in the second half either, with Ngwenya’s goal sandwiched in-between.
Galaxy led 2-1 with two minutes of regular time left but Ngwenya then cut the ball back for Mlondi Mbanjwa to level the scores.
Ngwenya then made sure the points were not going to be split when he whipped in the winning goal at the near post in added time.
His performance earned him the plaudits of coach Arthur Zwane, a South African football legend, who felt the introduction of the forward in the 68th minute was the turning point.
“We needed something in our pocket to put them under pressure, especially in the last 30 minutes of the second half.
“When Ngwenya came on, he did exactly that, and he also helped Athini Maqokola, who came alive.”
While the day belonged to Ngwenya, Zindoga’s goal also deserved mention. The former Yadah Stars forward collected the ball on the run, beat his marker on the edge of the box and curled a brilliant right-footer that rolled neatly into the roof of the nets.
Ex-Dynamos captain Emmanuel Jalai also made his debut in the Betway Premiership when he featured in Durban City’s 1-0 win over Polokwane City.
Emmanuel Jalai
