AmaZulu FC head coach Arthur Zwane has issued a warning over Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, insisting the club must protect the striker from excessive pressure despite backing him for the Betway Premiership Golden Boot.
Ngwenya has enjoyed a sensational start to the 2026/27 campaign, leading the top-flight goal-scoring charts with eight goals and one assist in just seven league appearances.
The 23-year-old sharpshooter also registered a brace during Usuthu’s MTN8 quarter-final clash against Sekhukhune United, taking his tally to 10 goals across all competitions.
By finding the back of the net in seven consecutive Betway Premiership matches, the former Platinum FC forward equalled a 24-year-old PSL record for consecutive scoring. He now stands alongside ex-Hellenic FC star legend Grant Young [1999] and former Jomo Cosmos forward Essau Kanyenda [2002] as the only players to achieve the feat in South African top-flight history.
ARTHUR ZWANE BACKS THANDO NGWENYA BUT CALLS FOR PROTECTION
Speaking to reporters after Ngwenya’s solitary strike secured a 1-0 victory against Polokwane City FC at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, Zwane emphasised the importance of sheltering the player from external pressure.
“Yes, he does. He’s got the qualities for that [winning top goal scorer award],” Zwane stated. “The only thing that we are trying to do now is to protect him, not to put him under pressure. Hence I am saying other players need to come to the party and score goals. Not that we are not creating opportunities.”
ARTHUR ZWANE DEMANDS GOAL CONTRIBUTION FROM REST OF SQUAD
The former Kaizer Chiefs mentor stressed that depending solely on Ngwenya could be counterproductive for both the team and the player’s long-term growth.
“Today [Saturday] we should have scored more than one, so that he doesn’t think too much about if he is not scoring then he’s failing the team. Other players must also play their part. Having said that, before he scores goals, obviously there will always be an assist.
“So it becomes a build-up. We are happy for him and hopefully he will continue where he left off when we come back from the international break.”
Ngwenya has since joined up with the Zimbabwe Warriors squad ahead of their upcoming 2027 AFCON qualification matches against Sierra Leone and DR Congo during the current international window.
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