Zwane backs AmaZulu striker Ngwenya to follow Zimbabwe’s greatest forwards

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane believes Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya can develop into the next major Zimbabwean football star and has set himself the challenge of guiding the young striker towards the level reached by 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 over the weekend. Mlondi Mbanjwa also scored for Usuthu, while Ngwenya’s effort took his tally to five goals this season across the league and MTN8.

Zwane, who was himself a prolific goalscorer during his playing career, believes Ngwenya has the natural ability to become a leading forward in his homeland.

“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.

Ngwenya joined AmaZulu from Zimbabwean club FC Platinum at the start of the previous season and quickly showed his potential. However, Zwane feels the striker’s figures could have been considerably higher had he not suffered an injury and been more clinical in front of goal.

“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.”

Musona, Billiat and Ndlovu are among Zimbabwe’s best-known footballers, and Zwane wants Ngwenya to earn similar recognition whenever he returns to his home country.

“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.

The AmaZulu manager’s comments came after another encouraging result for his side, who have won two of their opening three league matches and drawn the other.

Ngwenya’s latest goal provides further evidence of the role he is beginning to play in the team, with Zwane continuing to focus on improving both his confidence and his effectiveness in attack.

AmaZulu now face a significant test when they travel to play Mamelodi Sundowns on 26 August.