Arthur Zwane backs Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya to maintain scoring form but urges AmaZulu forwards to step up

AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane believes Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya can continue his outstanding goalscoring form throughout the season, although he has warned that the club cannot rely on the Zimbabwe international alone.

The 23-year-old has scored in each of AmaZulu’s opening five matches in all competitions. He has found the net five times in four league games and has seven goals overall after scoring twice in the MTN8.

Ngwenya’s start to the campaign has already surpassed his total from his debut season in 2025/26, when he scored six goals. His form has also led to suggestions that he could challenge for the Golden Boot.

Zwane said Ngwenya’s progress could have been even more impressive last season had he avoided a significant injury.

“There’s no doubt about it, last season if he didn’t get that injury he was going to help us big time, he missed about two-and-a-half months of the season when we needed him the most,” Zwane said when asked by iDiski Times if he can challenge for the Golden Boot.

“He was on six goals and had so many 1v1 early on in the season, I even said he could have been on 12 or 14 if he’d be taken that chances.”

The AmaZulu coach said Ngwenya had created several opportunities for himself early in the previous campaign but was unable to convert enough of them before his injury interrupted his progress.

While Zwane is confident the forward can sustain his current level, he identified the dependence on one player for goals as a potential problem. AmaZulu will need other attackers to contribute if they are to maintain their progress and cope with any disruption to Ngwenya’s season.

“The only worry is that it’s only him scoring, others must take responsibility, if he gets an injury, it will be a problem, but we hope we can keep him fit for the season, you saw him cramping towards the end of the game.”

Ngwenya’s fitness is therefore an immediate concern for AmaZulu, particularly after he appeared to suffer from cramp late in the match. Zwane is hopeful the striker can remain available, but he also expects further attacking options to return to contention.

“We have others that may come through but missed pre-season, maybe after the FIFA break, we will have them available and a full pool of players to select from.”

The coach’s comments underline both the importance of Ngwenya’s contribution and the need for greater competition within the squad. AmaZulu have benefited from his decisive start, but Zwane wants the rest of the team to share the responsibility as the campaign develops.

The players who missed pre-season could become available after the FIFA break, giving Zwane a larger group from which to choose and potentially reducing the pressure on Ngwenya to provide the majority of AmaZulu’s goals.