Venda FC striker Knox Mutizwa has opened up about his special bond with Zimbabwean compatriot Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, revealing the advice he offers the in-form AmaZulu FC attacker after every match.
The 23-year-old Zimbabwean international, Ngwenya, has taken the Betway Premiership by storm this season, netting eight goals for AmaZulu FC to establish himself as an early frontrunner for the top scorer award.
However, behind Ngwenya’s red-hot form is a constant line of communication with his seasoned compatriot, who routinely reviews his performances and offers guidance after every match.
Mutizwa, who recently made the switch to Motsepe Foundation Championship side Venda FC following his departure from Richards Bay FC, revealed that the young marksman frequently seeks his post-match feedback to refine his game.
Believing Ngwenya has all the attributes to finish as the league’s top scorer, the 33-year-old veteran keeps challenging his countryman to aim for the ultimate individual accolade in South African football.
HOW KNOX MUTIZWA KEEPS ENCOURAGING THANDOLWENKOSI NGWENYA
“Yeah, he’s my boy. Every time he calls me, after every game, he asks, ‘Knox, did you watch the game? What was I doing wrong? What must I do right?’” So I can help where I can,” Mutizwa told FARPost.
“I always motivate him that he needs to win the PSL golden boot. That’s the only thing that you must do this season, since you started well,” Mutizwa revealed in their conversation.
“Yeah, we talk every day, and I give him a lot of advice to say, ‘Keep on scoring, keep on working hard, you know, like try to do things that you were not good at and work on them in training, you see?'”
THANDOLWENKOSI NGWENYA BACKED TO WIN THE PSL TOP GOAL SCORER ACCOLADE
The 33-year-old backed his countryman to win the top accolade this season but admits it is still too early to put pressure on him.
“Yeah, it’s still early, but I have faith in my boy. Though I’m disappointed because we were talking before the game [against Durban City FC on Tuesday, 13 October]. So I gave him an ultimatum and he didn’t reach it, though I’m still mad at him, but I know he’ll go and score again.”
Mutizwa was referring to Ngwenya not being on the scoresheet on the night. AmaZulu FC won the match 2-1.
Meanwhile, Mutizwa also admitted he has no ambition to fight for his place in the Zimbabwean national team and now wants to focus on helping Venda FC do better in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
“I think it’s time to give young players the chance because they’re playing well. You see, Thando [Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya] is scoring. So I think it’s time to give the young players a chance; as for me, I can concentrate on this side.”
RELATED STORY: Ex-Pirates captain makes bold Thando Ngwenya prediction with Khama Billiat comparison
