AmaZulu boss Arthur Zwane challenges in-form Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya to score even more

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane has challenged Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya to improve further despite the striker’s excellent start to the season.

Ngwenya scored again on Friday as AmaZulu secured a 2-1 win over Richards Bay in the KwaZulu-Natal Derby in the Betway Premiership. The result extended the forward’s impressive scoring form and helped Usuthu claim victory in the local contest.

The latest strike took Ngwenya’s total to eight goals in six appearances across all competitions this season. He has scored six times in the Betway Premiership and twice in the MTN8.

Despite that record, Zwane believes the striker could have been even more productive against Richards Bay. The coach said Ngwenya missed chances that might have allowed him to score three or four goals in the match.

“I wouldn’t want to put Ngwenya under pressure,” said Zwane.

“I’m the type of coach that says one step at a time, one game at a time, but I want him to score in every game that he plays.

“Today Ngwenya should’ve scored three or maybe four, in actual fact. Last season, before he got injured, Ngwenya should’ve scored 14 or maybe 15.”

Zwane said Ngwenya’s opportunities in front of goal showed the level of potential he possesses, while also warning that an injury could interrupt the momentum he has built.

The AmaZulu coach added that the forward needs to make the most of chances inside the penalty area and continue contributing even when he is not at his best.

“Opportunities like these inside the box, he missed them. He finished on six goals, he’s our top goalscorer, and that alone tells you he’s got so much potential,” he added.

“He could have done better last season, so I’m just hoping and praying that he doesn’t get injured. Even if he has a bad day at the office, he must still score because he’s a striker, and I was happy to see that.”

Ngwenya had already been tipped for a significant breakthrough by Zwane, with the coach’s latest comments making clear that he expects the striker to continue developing rather than settle for his current return.

His goals against Richards Bay mean he has scored in both of South Africa’s major domestic competitions this season, with six goals in the Betway Premiership and two in the MTN8. Zwane’s immediate focus, however, is on ensuring that the forward remains available and continues to convert the opportunities created for him.

AmaZulu’s win over Richards Bay came in the KwaZulu-Natal Derby, with Ngwenya once again playing a decisive role in the outcome. While Zwane was pleased to see his striker find the net, he believes the youngster’s performance could have produced an even greater personal return.

The coach’s message is therefore both an endorsement of Ngwenya’s form and a demand for higher standards: the striker is already AmaZulu’s leading scorer, but Zwane feels there is still considerably more to come.