Mugove Chigada
Zimpapers Sports Hub
EUROPEAN clubs have joined the race for Zimbabwe international Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya’s signature, with indications his South African club AmaZulu will receive bids in January despite their stance not to sell.
Zimpapers Sports Hub understands that the 23-year-old striker already has offers coming his way from Betway Premiership clubs, but the latest developments could change the situation.
The striker is part of the Warriors squad set to face Equatorial Guinea in back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Thursday in Cameroon and four days later at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
So far, the player has scored nine goals in nine Betway Premiership league games and 10 in all competitions, making him the most prolific striker in South Africa this season.
In the past week, what was clear was that giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates would try their luck in a bidding war, although none has come out in the open.
“Clubs from Belgium and North Africa have also shown interest now,” said a source close to the developments.
“What happens is that in Africa, the South African league is one of the most marketed and if teams are looking for top strikers, they cannot afford to ignore the top scorer in the league. That is what has happened.”
Names of at least two clubs from Belgium and one from North Africa have been provided as serious suitors.
“So, obviously the club will receive official offers in January, and that is certain. The striker has done enough to prove he is a goalscorer.
“And, with Europe and North Africa taking notice, it only pushes his value and gives a chance to fewer clubs who will afford AmaZulu’s asking price.”
At the rate Ngwenya has been scoring goals, he could be in a good position to break Collins Mbesuma’s record of 25 goals in a single season set in the 2004-05 season.
But that will depend on whether he plays the whole season in South Africa.
That Sede Junior Dion of Golden Arrows top-scored with 14 goals in the whole 2024-25 season shows how remarkable Ngwenya has been.
AmaZulu are currently third in the Betway Premiership with 22 points, four behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
The position rules out the possibility of selling to a local rival in January as they have a shot at the league title.
AmaZulu have already made it clear that they are not planning to sell the in-form Zimbabwean striker in January.
But that could all change.
Yesterday the player’s manager, Gibson Mahachi, said: “It is important and remains crucial that we allow the boy to focus and concentrate on the job at hand with the club he is contracted to.
“It’s important not to get the boy distracted with any kind of inquiries. His job right now is to play and do his best for AmaZulu FC. That’s the job at hand.”
Ngwenya moved from Castle Lager Premiership former champions FC Platinum to the Betway Premiership side AmaZulu in 2025.
He did well in his debut season but was affected by injuries later.
“Let’s allow the boy to play and enjoy his game at AmaZulu FC. With the kind of guidance from coach Zwane, Thando can only get better. He is a disciplined and focused boy who takes his profession seriously. With the kind of guidance from coach Zwane, Thando can only get better.”
Ngwenya is one of foreign-based players that were expected to travel to Cameroon via Ethiopia.
In the Warriors set-up, he is however not guaranteed a position, with other forwards like Tawanda Maswanhise and Tino Kadewere all in the mix.
