AmaZulu striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya targets Betway Premiership Golden Boot

AmaZulu striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya says he is aiming for the Betway Premiership Golden Boot after moving to the top of the scoring charts with six goals.

The 23-year-old has scored twice more in the MTN8, taking his total for the season to eight goals. He says his immediate target is to reach double figures while helping AmaZulu win matches.

“I try to score in each and every game. As a striker, you always want to score goals so that you can win those awards [like the Golden Boot],” Ngwenya said.

“My ambition is to keep scoring to help the team win, and maybe to win the Golden Boot. I want double figures of goals.”

Ngwenya’s form was recognised on Tuesday when he was named Betway Premiership player of the month for August.

The forward said the award reflected the contribution of those around him at AmaZulu.

“I am grateful for this award. I just want to thank my teammates and the technical team because I can’t do it alone… they contributed to this achievement,” he said.

Ngwenya has also been included in Zimbabwe’s preliminary squad for the two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone and DR Congo later this month.

The striker acknowledged the expectations surrounding his international selection, with supporters hoping he can carry his club form into the national team.

“Everyone is waiting for me. People have been saying that I must take this performance to the national team, so I feel pressure, but I will just leave everything to God,” he said.

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane has encouraged Ngwenya to maintain his scoring record in every match, although he does not want to place undue pressure on the Zimbabwe international.

“I wouldn’t want to put Ngwenya under pressure. I am the type of a 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,” Zwane said.

Fixtures

League

Tomorrow: Stellenbosch v Sekhukhune, Athlone (7.30pm)

Saturday: AmaZulu v Gallants, Princess Magogo (3pm); Polokwane v Chiefs, Old Peter Mokaba (3pm); Chippa v Sundowns, Nelson Mandela Bay (5.30pm).

Sunday: Milford v Bay, Sugar Ray Xulu (3pm); Siwelele v Arrows, Free State (3pm); Galaxy v Kruger, Solomon Mahlangu (5.30pm).

CAF Champions League first round, second leg

Saturday: Pirates v La Cure Sylvester, Orlando (3pm)

CAF Confederation Cup

Sunday: Rukinzo v Durban, Stade Intwari (3pm)