AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane believes Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya has the ability to become the next major football star from Zimbabwe and is determined to help the young striker reach the level of players such as Peter Ndlovu, Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat.
The 23-year-old scored again as AmaZulu defeated Siwelele 2-0 in the Betway Premiership at Kings Park Stadium during the weekend. Mlondi Mbanjwa also scored for Usuthu, while Ngwenya’s goal took his tally to five for the season across the league and the MTN8.
Zwane, who was himself a prolific goalscorer during his playing career, believes Ngwenya’s record could have been considerably better last season had injury not interrupted his progress.
“We will work on Thando. I think Thando last season was something else. Even though I still say he scored six goals, he knows he missed. I don’t know how many 1v1s a goalkeeper can beat. He could have easily scored 15, 16 goals before he got injured,” Zwane said of Ngwenya’s form last season.
The AmaZulu coach also recalled an occasion when Ngwenya admitted he was struggling to match the pace of a game in Johannesburg. Zwane said the striker’s response showed the mentality required to improve.
“I remember in one game in Joburg, he said ‘coach I can’t keep up with the tempo of the game’ and I told him to soldier on. He’s got the right attitude.
“He is still young, but I think he will get to the level of the Musonas. I am his mentor and coach, and I will push him to reach that level.”
Ngwenya joined AmaZulu from Zimbabwean club FC Platinum at the start of the previous season. Since then, Zwane has identified the striker as a player capable of earning the same recognition in Zimbabwe as the country’s most celebrated forwards.
“I want Thando, when he goes to Zimbabwe, to be treated as the Musonas, Khama Billiat and Peter Ndlovu because he has the potential to reach that level. As a striker, he can score; he’s got goals in him,” Zwane said.
Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat are among Zimbabwe’s best-known modern footballers, while Peter Ndlovu remains one of the country’s historic sporting figures. Zwane believes Ngwenya can build a similarly strong reputation if he continues to develop his finishing and consistency.
AmaZulu have made an unbeaten start to their league campaign, winning two of their opening three matches and drawing the other. Their next test will be a trip to face Mamelodi Sundowns on 26 August.
The meeting with the reigning domestic heavyweights will offer Ngwenya another opportunity to demonstrate the qualities that have convinced Zwane he can become one of Zimbabwe’s leading footballers.