Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE international forward Thando Ngwenya is on fire in the South African Premiership, scoring eight goals in all competitions since joining AmaZulu from Zvishavane Miners FC Platinum.
The 23-year-old is in the running for the Golden Boot award and has credited hard work and faith for his goal-scoring prowess.
Ngwenya was the mainstay at FC Platinum before leaving them mid-season last year to join AmaZulu, and without him the former Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions struggled for precision in front of goal.
Resultantly, FC Platinum failed to mount a strong challenge for the championship honours with the four-time champions finishing behind winners Scottland and runners-up MWOS in the 2025 marathon.
Ngwenya has also had to shrug off a niggling injury that wrecked his chances for a debut with the Warriors at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
He, however, seems to have regained his mojo, and Durban outfit AmaZulu have been the beneficiaries of his fine form, which included scoring a late winner in a Nedbank Cup assignment.
AmaZulucoach Arthur Zwane was so impressed that he hailed Ngwenya as a “sniper” after he scored the winner in Usuthu’s 2–1 victory over Polokwane City in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 on Tuesday night.
Despite all the plaudits coming his way, Ngwenya remains grounded, attributing his progress to God.
“God and hard work are the secrets to my success,” Ngwenya said.
Ngwenya is also focused on helping his team win, rather than just scoring goals.
“I don’t just want to score goals, I want my team to win.
“I just read the game, and everyone believes in me that I must do some magic, so that’s why I will always stay focused on the pitch.” Ngwenya has had several highlights, including scoring against Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and grabbing a brace and assist against Polokwane City.
Following his exploits in Durban, Ngwenya has also started drawing interest from other clubs. But he insists that his priority is to establish himself at AmaZulu, where he describes the environment as conducive to his growth.
“Everything is Okay at AmaZulu, and the team seeks to compete for the top four,” Ngwenya said. He is also aiming for double figures in his goal tally and is working on his finishing to convert more chances.
“Almost everything that has been happening so far has been my highlight including scoring against Kaizer Chiefs.
“Also grabbing a brace and assist coming off the bench and helping my team win has been an exciting moment. But just seeing my team win I can say it suffices.
“So everyone is focused, and the senior guys are there to guide the youngsters,” said Ngwenya. Yet Ngwenya, who could have squeezed a place on the 2025 Castle Soccer Stars calendar, still possesses a lot of potential in his game which he is aware off.
“The secret is I just want to help my team win games and hope for bigger clubs to come, maybe yes.”
