Fresh off scooping AmaZulu FC’s Golden Boot, forward Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya has set his sights on the Betway Premiership’s top individual prize for the new 2026/27 season.
The Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot was claimed by Golden Arrows hitman Junior Dion last term, after the Ivorian netted 14 goals to edge Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners by two.
Now, Ngwenya believes he is fully equipped to challenge for the coveted award and follow in the footsteps of Knowledge Musona—the last Zimbabwean to win it after scoring 15 goals for Kaizer Chiefs in the 2010/11 campaign.
The 23-year-old has established himself as a central figure in Arthur Zwane’s attack at Usuthu. Despite an injury-disrupted debut season in South Africa, Ngwenya finished as the Durban outfit’s top scorer with seven goals in 17 appearances across all competitions.
In the Betway Premiership, he found the net seven times in 17 matches, alongside a goal in two Nedbank Cup ties and an appearance in the Carling Knockout Cup.
Crucially, the former FC Platinum star achieved the club accolade despite missing a large chunk of the campaign with a severe foot injury.
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But Ngwenya says the setback has only made him hungrier heading into his second season in the Betway Premiership.
Speaking to FARPost in an interview, Ngwenya said: “Last season was tough because the injury slowed me down, but I’m grateful to God and the coaches for believing in me. The club embraced me when I was down and it is this kind of love that has really given me confidence,” Ngwenya said.
“Winning the club’s Golden Boot even after spending time on the sidelines gave me confidence. Now the target is bigger. I want to help AmaZulu first, and if the goals come and I can challenge for the PSL Golden Boot, I’ll take it. I’m working hard every day because my goal is to be an expensive player, a player that my club AmaZulu can always count on, whether I come from the bench or return from injury.”
And this season, he started on a high note after scoring in the Betway Premiership 2026/27 season opener against Stellenbosch FC. He converted from the penalty spot in a 1-0 win, setting the tone for what could be a bumper campaign ahead.
With Zwane’s side pushing for a top finish, Usuthu will be hoping their Zimbabwean marksman can stay fit and turn last season’s promise into goal-harvesting form.
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