Zwane urges AmaZulu players to share Ngwenya’s goalscoring burden

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane has called on his players to contribute more goals instead of placing the responsibility solely on striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya.

Ngwenya scored his eighth league goal of the season as AmaZulu secured a 1-0 victory over Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

Zwane welcomed the Zimbabwe international’s latest contribution but stressed that AmaZulu could not afford to depend on him for goals in every match.

“We don’t want to rely on him. Other players must also play their part. We are happy for him [Ngwenya], and hopefully he will continue where he left off when we come back from the international break,” Zwane said.

The coach believes Ngwenya has the ability to challenge for the Golden Boot this season. However, Zwane said AmaZulu were also working to ensure the striker did not feel obliged to score every time he played.

“He’s got the quality [to fight for the Golden Boot]. The only thing we are trying to do now is to protect him. We don’t want to put him under pressure; hence, I am saying other players also need to come to the party and score goals,” he said.

Zwane added that collecting points was currently more important than producing consistently strong performances, with AmaZulu planning to improve their displays as the season progresses.

“We will work on our performance as we go along. What is key now is to get results. If we can come here [at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium] and get maximum points, I must give credit to the players because it’s never easy to get results here.”

Sekhukhune end winless run

Sekhukhune United ended a five-match run without a victory by beating Richards Bay 3-2 at Princess Magogo Stadium.

Nqaba Xulu scored twice for Richards Bay, while Tshepo Mokoena, Ndongani Gilbani and Ngoanamelo Rammala found the net for Babina Noko.

Sekhukhune caretaker coach Papi Zothwane said securing maximum points before the Fifa break had been the team’s priority. The victory also carried an emotional element for him, having previously worked at Richards Bay.

“We wanted to make sure that before the Fifa break, we get maximum points,” Zothwane said.

“It’s about the team. Obviously emotions will be there because I come from Richards Bay [before joining Sekhukhune], but I am at work here; I work for Sekhukhune.”