Ngwenya credits Khama Billiat advice for explosive AmaZulu start

AmaZulu striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya says guidance from his idol and fellow Zimbabwe international Khama Billiat has helped shape his outstanding start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.

The 23-year-old forward joined Usuthu from Zimbabwean giants FC Platinum in July 2025, signing a two-year contract. He has quickly established himself as one of the division’s most dangerous finishers, scoring six league goals in his first five appearances.

Ngwenya’s early-season form included a standout brace against Mamelodi Sundowns and earned him the August Betway Premiership Player of the Month award.

The Zimbabwe international said Billiat had encouraged him to remain clinical in front of goal, adapt to the intensity of South African defenders and maintain consistency if he wanted to follow in the footsteps of the league’s leading players.

“I feel happy because one of those players is my role model, Khama Billiat

“So yes, it makes me feel happy. Every time I talk to him, he always tells me to push hard.

Billiat has built a legendary reputation in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), recording 95 goals and 96 assists in 362 domestic appearances. His experience at the highest level has made him an important source of advice for Ngwenya as the young forward makes his mark in South Africa.

Ngwenya’s performances have also placed him in the early discussion for the Golden Boot. The award was won last season by Golden Arrows forward Junior Dion, who finished the 2025/26 campaign with 14 league goals.

The AmaZulu striker is now beginning to follow a well-established path taken by several of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated forwards in the PSL. His ambitions include reaching the level achieved by Peter Ndlovu, Knowledge Musona, Gilbert Mushangazhike and Billiat.

Those players made a lasting impact on South African football, with their goals and performances helping establish Zimbabwean forwards as influential figures in the domestic game over more than a decade.

For Ngwenya, the challenge is to ensure his impressive opening run develops into sustained form. His goals have provided AmaZulu with a strong platform, but the club will now look to maintain its momentum as the campaign progresses.

AmaZulu’s next assignment is a Betway Premiership meeting with Marumo Gallants. The match is scheduled for Saturday, 12 September 2026, at Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban.

Ngwenya and his teammates will hope his early-season scoring run continues as Usuthu aim to build on their strong start. With six goals already to his name and the backing of a player he regards as his role model, the striker has made an immediate case for a prominent role in the league’s race for the Golden Boot.