AmaZulu FC coach Arthur Zwane has praised striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya’s game-changing impact this season, having scored six goals in 12 games.
The Zimbabwean striker notched a brace that proved instrumental as AmaZulu beat TS Galaxy in a five-goal thriller at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
Usuthu came from behind twice to beat TS Galaxy 3-2, with Ngwenya stealing the show after being introduced in the 69th minute for Tebogo Masuku.
Victor Letsoalo struck first for TS Galaxy in the 69th minute, and Ngwenya restored parity 10 minutes later. Junior Zindoga thrust Galaxy back into the lead again after 80 minutes of play.
Eight minutes later, Mondli Mbanjwa equalised for AmaZulu in the 88th minute, assisted by Ngwenya. The rising star Ngwenya then scored the winning goal in the 90th minute to seal the win for the KZN-based side.
The result saw AmaZulu FC leap to fourth place, just two points off co-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, who have 29 points apiece.
Furthermore, Ngwenya’s performance continues to justify AmaZulu’s bold move to lure him from Zimbabwean side FC Platinum at the start of the season. With six goals under his belt, the 23-year-old is AmaZulu’s leading goalscorer. He is tied on six goals with Bradley Grobler and Iqraam Rayners of Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns, respectively.
WHAT COACH ARTHUR ZWANE SAID ABOUT NGWENYA
Golden Arrows’ Junior Dion leads the Betway Premiership goal charts with seven goals to his name. And coach Zwane was left on cloud nine, underlining how Ngwenya has been effective in their strategy.
“At home, no one should come out. And I think it paid off in the end. We managed to get the winner. And I must commend the players who came off the bench. Their impact was magical. So I think all the players deserve credit for the effort. Because what matters is getting the maximum points,” Zwane said.
“This side is humid. So where they come from is a bit dry. Though they are based in Johannesburg, we needed to be very, very smart because of that. They still travel to Mbombela and come to Johannesburg. So we needed to capitalise on that.”
Zwane added that Ngwenya’s introduction was the turning point of the match, as the Warriors star brought so much impetus and fiery forays in attack.
“So we knew that they were going to die at some point. They were going to drop in terms of energy levels. And we must have something in the pocket that will put them more under pressure, especially in the last 30 minutes of the second half.
“And I think when Ngwenya came on, he did exactly that. And he also helped all of us. Athini [Maqokola] came alive and created as well. He was also heavily involved in those goals that we scored, which is good.
“The introduction of Ngwenya and Mhlongo gave us strength, explosiveness, and speed. I’m happy for Ngwenya and what he has done, and we’re going to be a difficult team to play against.”
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